Michael Evans Behling on amplifying unheard voices

Prior to All American, Behling was enrolled at Indiana State University on a pre-med path. With a grandfather who was a cardiovascular surgeon and a mother who is now a nurse practitioner, Behling hoped to follow in their footsteps. “Biology and pre-med were tough, let me tell you that. It’s not something to brush off. [It’s a] serious thing, but I’m happy with the decision I made. Maybe I’ll play a doctor someday on TV or in a film to make up for leaving.”

Behling also ran track while in college as a Division 1 athlete, a journey that had both its triumphs and struggles. Behling’s competitive nature, stemming from a childhood spent playing volleyball and football, persists to this day. His innate desire to win has prepared him to ‘[shed] blood, sweat, and tears,” no matter the playing field. “You’re going up against somebody who is training just as hard as you, if not harder. They want those bragging rights, they want those medals, whatever it may be, so you have to be ready to come correct and come full speed ahead. [The competition] excites me and makes me want to get up in the morning.”

Rooted in his lifelong love of sports and competition, Behling’s internal motivation has also guided his approach to the entertainment industry. “I’m a competitor at my deepest core. Being a competitor drives me toward success and makes me want to be the best version of myself.”

However, Behling started to question the direction of his athletic career after multiple injuries and surgeries left him on the sidelines. During his freshman year at Indiana State, Behling broke his foot and was indefinitely benched from running. “To be honest, it really sucked. I started making silly videos to bring up my spirits and forget about the little bit of stress I had in my life, and it brought me joy.” 

With ample time on his hands due to recovery, Behling briefly turned in his spikes to try another method of avoiding boredom. He started watching movies, becoming acquainted with iconic performances like Heath Ledger’s Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. 

The discovery of these films two years into his undergraduate education was the driving force behind Behling’s desire to be in front of the camera. “Something switched in me. It just clicked. I didn’t want to study chemistry and biology anymore. It all fell into place and happened quickly. I’m very, very fortunate for the timeline.” 

As Behling’s videos began garnering attention online, he was approached with the opportunity to begin modeling. His immediate commercial success, including advertising campaigns for brands like Adidas, gave him the confidence to finally pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.

His first role was a one-time appearance on Empire as “Handsome Dude.” Less than a year later, he was cast as Jordan Baker on All American — transforming his world in a matter of months. At first, Behling debated shooting the pilot and struggled with self-doubt, concerned he might even be recast. However, after the show began gaining traction, it became clear to Behling and the team behind All American that they had something “pretty special.” 

“The iron was struck very hot, and a lot of us took advantage of that. We thought that it would be a cool year, then we would have to go find new jobs.” In reality, Behling’s fears about the lifespan of All American were short-lived. The series has been renewed for a seventh season, and Behling has been there since the beginning in 2018. “It’s been a great, very fortunate six years.”