Michael J. Panichelli Jr.

Michael J. Panichelli, Jr. is an award-nominated actor, and award-winning film producer. A native of New Jersey, his training includes comprehensive studies, commercials and scenes at the Actor's Training Studio, stage acting at the Robert Patterson Studio, and stand up and Improv at the Comedy College. Panichelli starred as a renowned schizophrenic psychiatrist in the award-winning "The Cage", for which he earned a 2008 "Best Actor" nomination at the Downbeach Film Festival. He starred in "The Bridge", which premiered at the 2009 Kenya International Film Festival. He starred in the independent horror film, "Acrimony". He also starred in and executive produced the multiple award-winning "Beautiful Man In The Buff". Some of Panichelli's other acting credits includes "Sorrow Hill", "The Sacrament of Life", "The Ritual", "Head Case", "Omega One", "Mutumbo", "Jokerz Wild", and "The Golden Empire". Some of his other film and television work includes "Unbreakable", "Annapolis", "Rocky Balboa", "Changing Lanes", "Forensic Files", "Shadow: Dead Riot", "Sex & The City", "Oz" and "Law & Order". Panichelli served as an executive producer on Blue Angel Entertainment, LLC's "Inside of Me", which was officially selected for the 2009 Queens International Film Festival and 2010 New Filmmakers NY screening series. Panichelli has worked with some of the industry's best and brightest including Hollywood veteran, Clifton Powell (Ray), horror vixen, Brinke Stevens, horror villain, Tony Todd (Candyman), actor Robert X. Golphin (Denzel Washington's "The Great Debaters"), actor Tony Kates (Celebrity Boxing 11), Michael Blackson (The African King of Comedy), International Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Shakil, and a host of others. As an actor, Panichelli gravitates towards challenging 'character' types. His preparation for playing just about any role is a result of his former occupation. He interacted with a diverse set of people having worked as a Senior Officer at the Southern State Correctional Facility. After being injured in the line of duty, he was afforded the opportunity to pursue acting full time.