A native of Vancouver, Michael Shanks studied Commerce before deciding to pursue his true passion, acting at the University of B.C. where he graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Upon graduation he performed at the world renowned Stratford Shakespeare Festival for two seasons. His performances there included Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice, Menteith in Macbeth as well as roles in King Lear, Amadeus and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Other theater credits include Love of the Nightingale, Translations, Wait Until Dark, and Loves Labors Lost.

Shanks made his film debut in the feature Call of the Wild and has guest starred on such television series as The Commish, Highlander, University Hospital and the critically acclaimed The Outer Limits. Television movie credits include A Family Divided and the Mini-Series Eye Level and most recently, Escape from Mars for UPN.

Michael also starred in the acclaimed Arts Club Production of Hamlet which ran for five weeks.