Michael Mariniello is an actor and musician from Ridgewood, New Jersey. A New Jerseyan through and through, he was raised on Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, kickstarting his fascination with music and performance. His formative musical influences range from the aforementioned rock voices to James Taylor, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, and beyond.

Drawing inspiration from his father and uncles, Michael picked up the guitar at age seven and has yet to put it down. Since then, he has played in a variety of bands as a vocalist, guitarist, and bass guitarist. He later discovered his passion for theatrical performance when he played the role of Shrek in his fifth-grade production of Shrek The Musical.

Michael has acted in a wide range of productions, from jukebox musicals to Shakespeare plays. He attended the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami before transferring to Oklahoma City University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Theater.

Alongside performing, Michael has experience arranging pieces for a cappella and contemporary ensembles. He has performed both vocally and instrumentally at venues such as 54 Below, Chelsea Table + Stage, and Pianos NYC. In his spare time, Michael works DJing various events in and around his hometown in New Jersey.