Michael J. Willett
An American actor who brought wit and heart to groundbreaking roles exploring queer identity and high school life in shows like 'Faking It' and 'United States of Tara'.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American actor·Birthday: September 11·Millennials
Biography
Michael J. Willett stepped onto the screen with a natural charisma that made him a perfect fit for stories about outsiders finding their voice. He first gained attention as Lionel, the sharp and supportive best friend on Showtime's 'United States of Tara,' a role that showcased his comedic timing within a complex family drama. But it was his lead role as Shane, a gay teenager navigating a faux-relationship scheme in MTV's 'Faking It,' that cemented his place in pop culture. The show, which featured television's first intersex main character, allowed Willett to portray queer adolescence with humor and authenticity, resonating deeply with a young audience. Beyond television, he starred in the cult teen comedy 'G.B.F.,' further exploring themes of identity and acceptance. Willett's career is marked by a consistent choice to engage with projects that treat teenage and LGBTQ+ experiences with intelligence and respect, making him a recognizable face in a specific, vital niche of storytelling.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Michael was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Shane in all three seasons of MTV's groundbreaking series 'Faking It' (2014-2016).
- Played a recurring role as Lionel on the acclaimed Showtime series 'United States of Tara'.
- Played the lead role of Tanner in the feature film 'G.B.F.' (2013), a satire of high school social politics.
- Hosted the YouTube Red series 'Prank Academy' in 2016.
Did You Know?
He is also a musician and has released music under his own name.
He is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken openly about his support for the community.
He studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara before pursuing acting full-time.
“I'm drawn to characters who are unapologetically themselves, flaws and all.”
