American actor, producer and director Michael Urie was born on August 8, 1980 in Dallas, Texas. Throughout his years as a student, he was an acting speaker and actor, appearing in different productions in school. He initially studied at the Colin County Community College’s prestigious Quad C Theater program, before moving to the Juilliard School in New York City, where he was given the John Houseman Prize for his excellence in classical theater, as well as a Laura Pels Award. He graduated from the conservatory in 2003.
Urie made his television debut in 2002, when he starred in the teen drama Undressed. He entered in the program’s sixth season, playing the role of Justin in one episode. This was followed by his film debut, in an uncredited bit role in the 2004 comedy Uptown Girls. He has also appeared in the television movie Kat Plus One and the drama film WTC View.
Urie is perhaps best known, however, for his role in the successful ABC series Ugly Betty. He plays the role of Marc St. James, the openly gay and effeminate personal assistant of creative editor Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). Because of his loyalty to his boss, he is willing to do anything—even conspire with her boss and the receptionist Amanda Tanen (Becki Newton) to make Wilhelmina the editor of the magazine. Often, though, he fails spectacularly, and becomes subject to his boss’ wrath. He often acts flamboyantly, but only started dating in the show’s second season. His character was originally a recurring regular, although he only became a guest star for the first season because of contractual differences. He eventually became a full-time regular after these issues were resolves.
Urie was also the host of TLC’s Miss America Reality Check, a reality series following the contestants of the 2008 Miss America pageant. He also still returns to theater, performing in several productions around the country.