Michael William Arnold was born on May 4, 1999…a day earlier than expected; Michael has always pushed to make his mark on the world!
He discovered a passion for acting, singing and dancing at an early age, fueled primarily by his older sister Ashley Marie’s success in NY area theatre. A family relocation to LA proved early on that it was the right decision for the Arnold family. By the age of 8, Michael had completed 20 short films, Internet projects, commercials and professional theatre work. The industry in LA, with high numbers of child actors proved a great training ground, a place to make good friends and have fabulous work experiences.
The filming of My Name is Khan is one of Michael’s most cherished experiences. Michael auditioned for the role of Reese Garrick at age 6 and never imagined he would land the role. Always a bit tall for his age, at 9 years old there was significant doubt that he cold ever realistically play a 6 year old on film. Lucky for him, the director and producers basically aged up the role a bit. Reese is the best friend of the lead child, Sameer, played by Uvi age 11, an Indian child actor. Madira, Sameer’s mother played by Kajol has a deep love relationship with Khan, an autistic Muslim, played by the world renowned Sharukah Khan. The movie is really their love story. Reese and Sameer are typical childhood friends living in San Francisco and experience together good times and bad, especially the discrimination and tragedy of fear following the September 11th terrorist attacks. The movie was filmed in LA, SF and India. Michael filmed for many weeks in LA & SF. He learned parts of the Hindi language, ate delicious Indian food and beared witness to several unique customs, all while filming a major motion picture. Michael and Uvi (Sameer) became fast friends; there was no language or cultural barrier that could get in their way. The both loved swimming, Nintendo, sight seeing and good food! The Indian people were amazing, beautiful spirits, who not only encouraged Michael to be the best actor he could be, but also allowed the kids to have fun on the set! His favorite scene was the wedding and the school fair with Reese and Sameer being best buddies!
Little did anyone know when he went for the first audition to play a 6 year old, that the movie would turn into such a long awaited drama and get worldwide distribution by FOX Star, Searchlight & 20th Century FOX. It’s release is expected worldwide on Feb 12, 2010 and it will also be spotlighted at the 2010 Berlinale Film Festival. My Name is Khan is predicted to be a huge international hit and Michael is so grateful to have played a part in the film. The experiences were priceless.
Since the film’s completion, Michael has been busy working in the Equity production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. He also shot an episode of the ABC comedy The Middle with Patricia Heaton and completed the lead role of Charlie, an effeminate preteen searching for acceptance in the widely anticipated indie comedy, Spork.
In addition, Michael is a member of the Rage Boys Crew, where he dances on Southern California stages and sings with the LA HIP KIDS.
An interesting twist to Khan is that his friend and fellow acting class student Adrian Turner also was cast as in the film. It’s a VERY small industry circle and both boys are eagerly waiting going to the LA premiere together!
Michael is represented by The Savage Agency, Rising Talent Management and William Morris Endeavor Agency.
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Michael Arnold is so cute, he is gonna be a lady killer! great acting, singing and dancing check out his youtubes as well. good luck can’t wait too see MY NAME IS KHAN