Michael was born in Jackson, Michigan, USA to parents unknown. He was adopted when only a few months old by the Bugards, and raised in a humble ranch house adjacent to his grandparent's farm outside of Webberville, Michigan, USA. He attended Fowlerville schools in Fowlerville, Michigan, USA where he graduated cum laude. Even though he was an Honors student, he nevertheless attended university unsuccessfully, dropped out several times, at several institutions, including the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, and Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA. He spent many years alternating between the sales and service industry and fund raising for several nonprofit organizations, mostly environmental, including Greenpeace, until his health deteriorated. He was eventually diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Bipolar Disorder. In 2002 he attended a casting call at his favorite neighborhood bar, and was cast for his first film role in "Living Dead World", a zombie feature from Evil Genius Entertainment. Now with his health recovered, he has gone on to do several features, most of which are horror, receiving cast and production credit. He has also been a featured model for fetish and goth clothing.