John Michael Finley
John Michael "J. Michael" Finley is an American actor and singer. He is best known for portraying Bart Millard in the 2018 film I Can Only Imagine. He has appeared on Broadway, in London’s West End, in the Australian production of The Book of Mormon, and in numerous Chicago-area theatres. He is a member of the Actors' Equity Association.
Early life and education
Finley was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas and raised in Lebanon, Missouri. He began singing and acting in junior high school and performed in school and community theatre. He later studied musical theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, earning a BFA.Career
Early Chicago theatre
Finley launched his professional career in Chicago, performing in productions at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Writers' Theatre, Court Theatre, and the Mercury Theatre. His early roles included parts in Carousel, Camelot, Sweeney Todd, Grease, Hair, James Joyce's The Dead, and A Little Night Music.Broadway, West End, and international stage
Finley moved to New York City in 2015. He made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of Les Misérables, where he understudied the role of Jean Valjean.He later joined the Broadway company of The Book of Mormon as the standby for Elder Cunningham. His performance with the production led to West End and Australian engagements in the same role.
Film
Finley gained widespread recognition for his film debut portraying Bart Millard in the 2018 biographical drama I Can Only Imagine, which earned notable box office results for its budget.He is set to reprise the role in I Can Only Imagine 2, scheduled for release in 2026, with Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins returning; reporting on the sequel has appeared in entertainment press and faith-oriented outlets.
Finley has also appeared in other faith-based and historical films, including:Faith of Angels, portraying John Skinner, a man whose knowledge of a mine aids in rescuing a lost child.Love, Courage and the Battle of Bushy Run, in which he portrayed Captain John Graham.