Michael Ealy is quickly rising through the ranks as one of Hollywood’s leading young actors. After his breakout performance in Barbershop, he was quickly named as one of People’s “On the Verge” actors in the magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2002 issue. 

A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Ealy graduated college with a degree in English. Shortly after, he headed to New York where he performed in several stage productions, including the Off-Broadway hits “Joe Fearless” and “Whoa Jack” (for which he earned an Adelco Award nomination). After his theatre stint, Michael nabbed guest-starring roles in NBC’s Law & Order and Showtime’s hit series Soul Food. 

On the heels of his television appearances, he was cast in the critically-acclaimed film Kissing Jessica Stein. Ealy then segued into the role of G. Mo, the best friend of Jake Hayes (Chris Rock), in Bad Company for director Joel Schumacher. 

This past year, Ealy completed a dramatic arc on the Emmy-winning series ER and had a supporting role in the blockbuster sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious. He will next be seen in Never Die Alone opposite DMX and David Arquette, and in November opposite Courteney Cox Arquette and James LeGros. Both films will premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Credit: ropeofsilicon.com