Michael Lee Gogin - BIO
Michael Lee Gogin has lived in Burbank with his life partner Marylou for 13 years and often says he can’t imagine living anywhere else. He has three adult sons, and a grandson.
Born and raised in San Francisco, attended San Francisco State University, Gogin moved to southern California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
With over 35 years of experience as an actor, screenplay writer, and a business entrepreneur, his leadership and activism expertise will be invaluably utilized.
He is a member of the following Unions: SAG-AFTRA, AGVA & AGMA and has a good working relationship with ACTRA the sister UNION for Television and Film in Canada.
In 1988 Gogin was elected unanimously by the Screen Actors Guild Board Members to become a Board Member. The board served a constituency of 104,000 members at the time. He also became the first National Chair of Performers with Disabilities under SAG, and continues to serve as a steering committee member to this day.
Gogin has been an activist for disability rights, and non-profits worldwide since 1972. Donating his time to the community, and many causes such as: Deaf Entertainment Foundation, AIDS Research fundraisers for Children, Youth for Understanding, UNICEF, and Cut Down the Barriers- an organization to cut public sidewalk curbs to allow wheelchair access at any corner without restraint.
Gogin also served as a past President to the Los Angeles Chapter of Little People of America (LPA). LPA was founded by philanthropist and performing artist Billy Barty In 1956. He and the chapter board worked very hard to successfully change their troubling finances from a deficit to a positive cash flow in less than two years.
Gogin considers his invitation to the White House for the signing of the landmark legislation: American with Disabilities Act of 1990, known as the ADA was one of his most rewarding experiences he’ll never forget.
He often says with a strong sense of advocacy:
“If you have the time to donate time and energy to enhance your community...then do so. This is a simple way of giving back to enrich and enhance someone’s life besides your own.”