Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
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Mike Manning is an Emmy-winning actor, producer, and writer recognized for his roles in television and film, as well as his dedication to social causes.
Manning lobbied Congress on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign while on MTV's "The Real World," advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Manning worked for the Energy Action Coalition, advocating for environmental causes.
Manning received the 2011 Courage Award from LifeWorks for his dedication to youth development and mentoring programs.
Manning serves as the official youth ambassador for the anti-bullying organization Boo2Bullying.
Manning is on the board of the world's largest youth-led clean water organization, Thirst Project.
Manning co-founded the production company with actor/producer Vinny Chhibber in 2014, with a mission to create content that connects audiences with entertainment that matters and promotes positive social change.
Manning launched Mannifest Productions in 2022, aiming to continue his producing endeavors with a focus on representation and using storytelling to illuminate social causes.
Manning executive produced the documentary "Kidnapped for Christ" in 2014, alongside Tom DeSanto, executive producer of the "X-Men" and "Transformers" films.
Manning produced "An Act of Love" with actress Pauley Perrette, known for her role on CBS's "NCIS."
Manning helped produce the homeless youth documentary "Lost in America," which featured Oscar-winner Halle Berry.
Manning helped produce the homeless youth documentary "Lost in America," which featured Tiffany Haddish.
Manning helped produce the homeless youth documentary "Lost in America," which featured Grammy-winner Jewel.
Manning helped produce the homeless youth documentary "Lost in America," which featured Rosario Dawson.
Manning was recognized for his role in the civil rights feature film "Son of the South," executive produced by Oscar-winner Spike Lee.
Manning co-wrote "Eyes in the Trees," which featured Oscar-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Manning helped produce "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson," directed by Oscar-nominated David France, which was a Netflix Original.
Michael Christopher Manning was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and raised in Thornton, Colorado. He developed an early interest in acting through high school theater productions such as “Oliver!” and “The Secret Garden.” His career began in reality television in 2009 at age 22, as a cast member on MTV’s “The Real World: D.C.” This experience shaped his advocacy, leading him to lobby Congress on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign and work with the Energy Action Coalition.
Manning transitioned into acting roles on various television series and films. He gained recognition for playing Nick Swift in Disney’s “Cloud 9” in 2014 and later appeared as The Manny on NBC’s “This Is Us.” His work on “Days of Our Lives” as Charlie Dale and “The Bay” (Peacock), where he played Caleb McKinnon, significantly contributed to his acting career, earning him two Emmy Awards for “The Bay” and an Independent Series Award nomination. He currently portrays “Smitty” on CBS’s “Beyond the Gates,” commencing in 2025. In film, notable performances include “Son of the South,” executive produced by Spike Lee, “God’s Not Dead,” and the Shudder Original “Slapface.” He also co-wrote “Eyes in the Trees” which featured Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Beyond acting, Manning established Mannifest Productions in 2022, focusing on meaningful storytelling and social causes. He produced award-winning documentaries like “Kidnapped for Christ” with Tom DeSanto and “Lost in America,” featuring Halle Berry and Tiffany Haddish, which addressed homeless youth. He also produced “An Act of Love” with Pauley Perrette. His commitment to humanitarian efforts extends to his board roles with Boo2Bullying and Thirst Project, reflecting his sustained focus on advocacy for the poor, the environment, and equal rights.
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