Introduction
Michael Praed is a British actor, musician and songwriter who is best known for playing Robin of Loxley in the 1980s television series Robin of Sherwood. He has had a successful career spanning over 40 years in film, television and theatre.
Background and Early Life
Michael Praed was born Michael David Prince on April 1, 1960 in Berkshire, England. He later took his stage name Praed from his mother’s maiden name. His father was an airline executive and his mother was a former ballet dancer. He became interested in acting at a young age and attended the Arts Educational School in Hertfordshire as a teenager.
Career Beginnings
Praed’s first major role was playing Prince Michael of Moldavia on the British television series Dynasty in 1981. This helped launch his career and he soon landed the lead role of Robin of Loxley in Robin of Sherwood in 1984. The show was hugely successful and ran for three seasons, cementing Praed as a rising star.
After Robin of Sherwood ended, Praed began focusing more on theatre work. He made his Broadway debut in 1987 in The Secret Garden. Other notable stage credits include Les Miserables, 1776 and King Charles III.
Prime Career Years
In the 1990s, Praed continued working steadily in television and film. Some highlights include guest starring on Murder, She Wrote and Melrose Place and appearing in films like Don Juan DeMarco (1995) and The Phantom (1996).
One of his most acclaimed roles came in 2002 when he played Frank Churchill in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. He received a nomination for Best Actor at the Monte Carlo TV Festival for his performance.
Other notable TV credits in the 2000s include Tru Calling, Ghost Whisperer and Dynasty: The Reunion. He also returned to the stage frequently during this time.
Recent Projects
More recently, Praed has appeared on shows like Castle Rock and Blood Drive in 2018. He is set to appear in the upcoming 2023 film The Immaculate Room as well as a TV mini series called Fleishman Is in Trouble.
In 2021, Praed also launched a classic rock solo album called Under the Midnight Sky, showing off his talents as a singer-songwriter. He continues to balance TV, film and music projects.
Personal Life
Praed was married to former ballerina Sonja Ball from 1982 to 1986 before divorcing. He later married actress Jacqueline Staples in 2003 and they have two daughters together – Grace and Ade – born in 2004 and 2006 respectively. The family resides primarily in the US.
Net Worth
Through his over 40 year career in entertainment, Michael Praed has amassed an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2023 according to sources. The majority of his wealth has come from his acting work in television and film. His music projects have also contributed to his income over the years.
Height and Other Facts
- Michael Praed stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches or 178 cm tall.
- Some of his hobbies and interests include music, tennis and golf.
- Early in his career, he appeared in music videos for artists like Cher and Agnetha Faltskog from ABBA.
- He was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Actor for his performance in the mini series Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story.
- Praed has dual British and American citizenship.
- He received an honorary doctorate inLetters from the Midwestern State University.
Conclusion
In summary, Michael Praed has cultivated an impressive and varied entertainment career since the 1980s. With a net worth of $5 million, he has found success on screen, stage and in music. His most iconic role remains Robin of Sherwood, but he has demonstrated his talents across genres. Now in his 60s, Praed continues taking on interesting new projects and captivating audiences with his acting skills. His career achievements position him as one of Britain’s most accomplished performers.
