Michael A. Goorjian Biography – Selective Ranks

Michael A. Goorjian, an accomplished American actor, filmmaker, and writer, was born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. His journey in the entertainment industry spans acting, directing, and writing, earning him accolades and recognition in various facets of the field. Goorjian’s acting prowess was evident early in his career when he secured the lead role at the age of 14 in the local theatre production “Computer Crazy.” Despite the unexpected company of senior citizens in the cast and the somewhat embarrassing performance at his junior high, Goorjian persisted in his passion for acting. His formal training took place at the prestigious UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television.

The actor, born on February 4, 1971, clinched an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special for his compelling portrayal of David Goodson in the television film “David’s Mother” (1994), starring alongside Kirstie Alley. His fame expanded with his role as Justin, the love interest of Neve Campbell’s character in the Golden Globe-winning series “Party of Five” (1994–2000). Additionally, Goorjian left a lasting impression as Heroin Bob in the cult classic “SLC Punk!” (1998) and its sequel “Punk’s Dead” (2016). In the realm of directing, Michael Goorjian gained widespread acclaim for his debut independent film, “Illusion” (2004). He not only directed the film but also took on the lead role alongside Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas. This marked a significant milestone in his career as a multifaceted artist.

His initial breakthrough in Hollywood came with a dance role in the 1992 Disney film “Newsies,” sharing the screen with Christian Bale and Robert Duvall. Subsequently, Michael A. Goorjian landed prominent roles in a variety of films such as “Chaplin” (1992), “Forever Young” (1992), “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995), “Hard Rain” (1998), “SLC Punk!” (1998), “The Invisibles” (1999), “Broken” (2006), and “Conversations with God” (2006). Goorjian’s television presence is equally notable, with guest appearances on popular series like “Lie to Me” (2009), “House” (2004), “Alias” (2001), “Monk” (2002), “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000), “CSI: Miami” (2002), “Without a Trace” (2002), and a recurring role on “Life Goes On” (1989) as Ray Nelson.

Remaining close to his theatrical roots, Michael is a founding member of the Los Angeles-based theater group, Buffalo Nights. He earned acclaim for his performances in productions such as “Modigliani” and received an L.A. Weekly Theater Award nomination for Best Lead Actor. Notably, he also won awards for his original choreography in the musical “Refer Madness.” Venturing into directing, Goorjian directed the mock documentary “Oakland Underground” (1997), a humorous take on the occult music scene in Oakland, CA. Following this, his film “Illusion” (2004) garnered critical acclaim and numerous festival awards, showcasing his filmmaking skills and philosophical depth.

Collaborating with Hay House, Michael A. Goorjian directed films like “You Can Heal Your Life” (2007) and “The Shift” (2009), the latter featuring Dr. Wayne Dyer, Michael DeLuise, and Portia de Rossi. His recent project, “Tales of Everyday Magic” (2012), is an original film anthology exploring profound philosophical ideas through character-driven stories. In addition to his film work, Michael A. Goorjian directed the short films “Players’ Club” (2006) and “The War Prayer” (2007), an adaptation of Mark Twain’s short story. He is also involved in directing a circus/cabaret show called Palazzo in Eastern Europe. Michael A. Goorjian’s diverse and accomplished career reflects his commitment to storytelling and artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on both stage and screen.