Celebrity Info
Michael Irby has always made a point of not being typecast, especially as a Latino actor, which is why he’s taken on such a broad range of characters—portraying everyone from Middle Eastern figures to Portuguese speakers, and slipping into roles that are both heroic and villainous with equal ease. Born on November 16, 1972, in Palm Springs, California, Michael Irby actually started down a very different path before turning to acting. He played soccer professionally in Europe for Team USA, but his athletic career came to an abrupt halt after a serious car accident. Following that setback, he shifted focus, attending two colleges in California before moving to New York to study acting at the Academy for Dramatic Arts—a decision that would shape the rest of his career.
Michael Irby made his film debut in the low-budget thriller Silent Predator (1997), a modest beginning that many actors can relate to. Like so many performers trying to break into the industry, he eventually landed guest spots on popular TV series, including multiple appearances on Law & Order (NBC, 1990–2010), where Michael Irby portrayed three completely different characters across three episodes—an impressive feat that showcased his versatility early on.
His big break came when he was cast as Charles Grey in the CBS procedural drama The Unit (2006–2009). That role gave him national exposure and solidified his presence on television. After the show ended, Michael Irby stayed busy with guest roles on some of the most recognizable crime dramas of the decade. You’d see him pop up on Hawaii Five-0 (CBS, 2010–), Person of Interest (CBS, 2011–), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS, 2000–), and Elementary (CBS, 2012–), each time bringing depth and authenticity to his performances.
Later, Michael Irby returned to a regular series role in the futuristic sci-fi cop drama Almost Human (FOX, 2013–), where he played Detective Richard Paul—a skeptical and often antagonistic colleague to lead character Detective John Kennex, played by Karl Urban. Once again, Michael Irby proved his ability to hold his own in an ensemble cast, adding nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Through consistent work and a refusal to be boxed in, Michael Irby has built a diverse and enduring career in film and television.
When it comes to Michael Irby’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Fast Five (2011) as his standout performance—definitely the highest rated movie in his career so far. It’s no surprise that Michael Irby shines in action-packed roles, and this film really brought his talent to the forefront. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Law Abiding Citizen (2009) tends to be viewed as one of his less acclaimed projects, making it Michael Irby’s lowest rated film to date. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t quite resonate the same way with audiences or reviewers. Overall, Michael Irby has shown range across genres, but it’s clear that certain roles, like the one in Fast Five, truly elevate his presence on screen.
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