Michael Anthony (actor)

Anthony was born in Akron, Ohio and was raised in Akron and Buffalo, New York.[4] He eventually joined the military,[5] achieving a rank of E-4/SRA in the U.S. Air Force.[2] He participated in special forces operations during Operation Enduring Freedom.[2]

In 2008, Anthony entered Slip-n-Slide Records' "The Next Big Superstar" competition. He won the competition and was signed to a record deal under the stage name Mike Bless.[6][7] As Mike Bless, he released the singles "Do It Like This" in 2009[8] and "Gone" in 2011.[9] He also released a mixtape titled Mr. Make It Happen in 2009.[10]

Anthony began acting after doing production work on a film soundtrack. After meeting him, the film's director suggested him to audition for a role in the movie, which he was then cast in.[2]

Anthony was one of the contestants in the first season of OWN's reality television series Ready to Love, which premiered in 2018.[11][12][13]

In 2020, Anthony guest-starred in the Netflix series Kings of Jo'burg, which was created and produced by Shona Ferguson.[14][15] Anthony was also cast in a lead role in the short film She Had to Ask, which premiered on Allblk in the same year.[16]

Anthony was cast as Ricky in the BET+ original film Big 50 - The Delronda Hood Story, which premiered in 2021.[17][18][19][20] Anthony was also cast in a recurring role as Gary Stafford in Raising Dion.[21][22]

Other television series that Anthony has appeared in include Chicago Med, Greenleaf, Dynasty, MacGyver, Black Lightning, and The Outsider.[2]

Michael Anthony's film and TV credits include:[23]

Singles

Mixtapes