Michael Evans Behling
Michael Evans Behling | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 5, 1996 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, model |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Known for | Jordan Baker on All American |
Michael Evans Behling (born March 5, 1996) is an American actor recognized primarily for portraying Jordan Baker on the television series All American.
Early life
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Behling was adopted by Mike and Carol Behling and raised in Columbus, Indiana. He is of mixed heritage, with a Nigerian father and a German mother, and was brought up by a white adoptive family. Behling has three siblings named Matt, Adam, and Andrea. His family owned a ten-acre property where they kept several animals. Athletics played a significant role throughout his youth; he engaged in baseball, soccer, volleyball, football, and track events.
His interest in acting was sparked during high school after viewing Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight. Behling attended Columbus North High School, where he participated in football for two seasons and was also a track athlete, graduating with honors in 2015. At Indiana State University, he competed in the 400-meter hurdles until foot surgeries halted his sports pursuits. Initially enrolled in a pre-med program, he left after two years to focus on modeling and acting. Before embarking on his acting career, Behling worked as an assistant director at the Donner Aquatic Center located in Columbus, Indiana.
Career
Behling started modeling during his college years and was motivated to try acting auditions. He featured in marketing campaigns for brands such as Adidas and White Castle. His television debut occurred in 2017 with a small part on Empire. In March 2018, he secured the role of Jordan Baker on All American, with pilot production commencing shortly thereafter. To take on this role, Behling moved to Los Angeles in January 2018, initially encountering financial difficulties. He relates closely to his character due to their shared biracial background and quest for identity. This part served as his breakthrough within the entertainment industry. Behling is currently managed by HRI Talent and Management 101.
In addition to acting, he co-established the apparel brand DesignedAt5AM alongside three high school acquaintances—Nicholas Stevens, Drew Thompson, and Floyd Athaide. The label embodies his dedication to early mornings and productivity, inspired by his friends’ morning swim routines.
Personal life
Residing in Los Angeles, Behling supports causes related to animal welfare and mental health awareness. In April 2021, he married longtime partner Madison Stanton; however, their marriage ended in divorce five months later, in September 2021.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | A Cinderella Story: Starstruck | Jackson Stone | Direct-to-video release |
| 2022 | The Manny | Morgan Washington | Tubi Original production |
| 2023 | The Flower That Never Wilts | Damien | Short film |
| 2025 | Vipers | Chase | Short film; also served as executive producer |
| 2025 | The Queen's Jewels | Orion |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Empire | Handsome Dude | Episode titled "The Lady Doth Protest" |
| 2018–present | All American | Jordan Baker | Series regular |
| 2019 | Grey's Anatomy | Brady Mays | Episode titled "Good Shepherd" |
| 2022 | All American: Homecoming | Jordan Baker | Special guest appearance across four episodes |
| 2024 | Read the Room | Bad Doc | Episode titled "Read the Room" |