Actor / Director Profile

Michael Ryan "Mike" Lobel (born March 7, 1984) is a Canadian actor.Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is the oldest of three siblings.At a young age he began showing interest in music and visual arts which drew him to Etobicoke School of the Arts. He attended ESA from 1998 to 2003, first majoring in music (a skilled musician, he studied percussion) then later switching to drama. While at the school he formed several musical groups and is currently working on his solo project. It was in his graduating year at ESA that he began working as an actor.In 2003 Mike made his film debut in an adaptation of Oliver Twist directed by Jacob Tierney entitled Twist. He played a small role as a street thug alongside actor Nick Stahl.Mike's most notable performance to date is his portrayal of "Jay Hogart", a manipulative school bully on Degrassi: The Next Generation. He maintains that he is nothing like his character in real life. Mike had originally auditioned to play the role of "Dylan" and instead was offered the larger role.He has appeared on television in Zixx: Level One and Sue Thomas F.B.Eye and has had starring roles in Selling Innocence and Booky Makes Her Mark. Mike will make a guest appearance on a new television series next year entitled The Best Years.