I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview Mike Manning to learn five random facts about himself and his experience from being on This Is Us. Check out my full interview with Mike Manning below:
Loryn: What was your experience like being on the set of This Is Us?
Mike: In one word – fantastic. The people were fun to work with, welcoming, and kind, and my character “The Manny” was a great role. I got to take my shirt off and make jokes each episode, so what’s not to like!? Milo Ventimiglia directed one of the episodes I did, and Jon Huertas directed another talented actor whose work I respect on the show. Hence, it was cool to work with them behind the camera. Most of my scenes were with Justin Hartley, and he’s hilarious. I remember on set looking around thinking, “Wait, I’m getting paid for this?”
Loryn: If you had a magic wand, what movie or tv series would you like to be a part of?
Mike: Anything based on a comic book! Since I was little, I’ve loved comic books and have always wanted to be part of a universe where heroes and villains exist like that. The battle of “good versus evil” in a science fiction world has always fascinated me. DC and Marvel are the main giants in that space. I’m a DC guy because of Superman, but Marvel’s Avenger stories have been great this past decade. Greg Berlanti is a producer that I respect a ton for so many reasons, and he has a handful of shows based on DC characters, like “The Flash,” “Superman & Lois,” “Batwoman,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.” I’d love to be part of anything Greg did.
Loryn: You have already worked with some phenomenal actors. Who would you love to work with in the future?
Mike: There are many actors I’d kill to work with, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Leonardo DiCaprio. From “The Revenant” to “The Great Gatsby” to “J. Edgar” to “Catch Me If You Can,” he’s such a dynamic and powerful actor. He’s also a nice guy too. I sat next to Leo at a charity event a couple of years ago, and we spoke about a documentary I had just released about homeless youth called “Lost in America.” I sent him a link, and he watched it. I remember thinking, “Holy shit, Leo is watching my film! What is happening!?” I also really respect how he uses his platform to educate people about climate change and encourage the world to fight deforestation and pollution. He’s not only talented; he cares about the world around him.
Loryn: What lesson has the entertainment industry taught you?
Mike: The last twelve years in Hollywood has taught me many things. The main thing it’s given me, armed me with to continue in this crazy industry, is RESILIENCE. I truly believe if someone works hard enough, that he/she/they will be given a chance to audition for the proper role or work on the right project that will provide them with a career as a working actor. It’s all about staying at it and being ready so that person is prepared when that opportunity comes. It’s not easy. There were many times I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. Sixty projects and two Emmys later, I’m so glad that I didn’t give up.
Loryn: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Mike: When I was 19, I worked as Buzz Lightyear at Walt Disney World. It was my first time living away from home. It was the first time I could start to discover who I was as a person, away from my family, school, and neighborhood in Colorado, where I grew up. I made some really good friends and fell in love with Entertainment again. This was way before I did “Crash & Bernstein” and “Cloud 9” on Disney Channel, so it was cool how it all came full circle. ☺ To infinity and beyond.
Be sure to stay updated with Mike Manning by checking out his website: https://www.mikemanning.info/. Also, be sure to follow him on social media:
FB: Mike Manning
IG: mike_manning_
TW: @mike_manning_