ABOUT

When your hear Hollywood insiders use the term “total package” in the hosting world, MICHAEL SHIRLEY is the kind of TV host they are talking about. From writing, shooting, producing, and hosting his own original content and content for some of the biggest entertainment industry powerhouses – Michael has been following his passion for entertaining, educating, and engaging audiences for over 15 years. You will also find that he has navigated the highs and lows of the entertainment industry with an inspiring sense of artistry and drive.

In 2007, Michael traded in his career as a fashion model and began interning 40 hours a week at MTV Networks in Manhattan while simultaneously earning a degree in broadcast journalism at Columbia College in Chicago. His work ethic and passion inevitably landed him in Hollywood with a job as executive producer for BritneySpears.com. Being in Hollywood also gave him the chance to pursue life in front of the camera as a red carpet correspondent for Celebuzz and Buzznet – serving as a music critic and fashion blogger, as well, for the latter.

It seemed as if Michael was on top of the industry game… and all by the age of 25! But in October 2010, after shooting the pilot for his own syndicated talk show, Michael was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy – a nerve virus which paralyzed half of his face. For a TV host, this kind of diagnosis is obviously devastating. Michael’s show was immediately cancelled and he was let go from all hosting jobs. After finishing out his contract with Britney Spears, Michael focused on his passions away from the camera – music, fashion, and art. During his recovery hiatus, Michael recorded his debut album, founded 2 fashion labels, a clothing boutique, an online art gallery, and worked as a freelance artist designing album cover art for over 200 musicians and bands across the globe.

Off-screen, Michael has worked as a celebrity ghost writer and served as editor-in-chief for 2 major paparazzi agencies – Hollywood.TV and Pacific Coast News. He also wrote the highly polarizing I Hate Michael Shirley – The Life & Times Of A Hollywood Socialite from 2009 through 2015, garnering a large following of eclectic, young jetsetters. Currently, Michael writes is host of the Marvel TV Weekly and Roseanne aftershow for Afterbuzz TV. With over 23 million weekly downloads from over 150 countries, AfterBuzz TV is an online broadcast network created by E! host Maria Menounos and producer Keven Undergaro, dedicated to producing aftershows for favorite TV shows.