Michael Praed

Michael David Prince, known professionally as Michael Praed, was born on April 1, 1960, in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England. His early years were spent in Iran due to his father’s accounting work for a petroleum company. Praed later returned to England for public school and subsequently attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Upon joining Equity, he adopted the surname “Praed” to avoid confusion with an existing member named Michael Prince. His career began in repertory theatre, which transitioned into prominent roles in London’s West End productions.

Praed’s breakthrough arrived in 1982 with Joseph Papp’s revival of “The Pirates of Penzance” in the West End. This role led to his casting as Robin Hood in the BAFTA-winning “Robin of Sherwood” (1984-1985), a role that gained him widespread recognition. Following two seasons as Robin Hood, Praed moved to Broadway to star in “The Three Musketeers.” This was followed by his notable role as Prince Michael of Moldavia in Aaron Spelling’s prime-time soap opera “Dynasty” from 1985 to 1986. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, he appeared in films such as “Nightflyers,” “Writer’s Block,” and “Son of Darkness: To Die For II.” He also spent time writing and recording music in his studio.

His career continued with significant stage work, including leading roles in “Carousel” (1991), Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Aspects of Love” (1991-1992), and Noel Coward’s “Design for Living” (1995). Praed played regular roles in British television series like “Crown Prosecutor” as Marty James and, later, Phileas Fogg in the Canadian series “The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne” (2000). From 2016 to 2019, he starred as Frank Clayton in the ITV soap opera “Emmerdale” for 285 episodes. Beyond acting, Praed has a substantial portfolio as a narrator, notably for the BBC TV’s “Timewatch” documentary series from 2003 to 2008, and numerous audiobooks, showcasing his distinctive vocal talents.