Emerson College is known for its dedication to the arts, networking opportunities, and, of course, notable alumni. Amongst these alums include actress Jennifer Coolidge, author Taylor Jenkins Reid, and television host Maria Menounos. One of the ways Emerson strives to foster community and career insight is by holding an Emerson Masterclass. As part of their Extraordinary Emerson 2030 initiative, Emerson Masterclasses aim to help students learn more about their chosen career by bringing previous alumni to share their experiences and answer questions.Â
Recently, Emerson College had the pleasure of welcoming actor Michael Cyril Creighton. Since graduating in 2001, Michael has had an illustrious career, starring in 30 Rock, Dash & Lily, Dexter: New Blood, and, most notably Only Murders in the Building. In conversation with Emmy award-winning Executive Arts Editor, Jared Bowen (class of â98), the two discussed the impact Emerson made on Michael, as well as the scope of his career.
About his time at Emerson, Michael said that the school fosters individuality. He noted that being able to work and learn with a variety of different people taught him how to navigate working with people, which is a key skill to have in everyday life. It might sound obvious, but I feel as though working as a team is becoming somewhat of a lost art. As for what he learned, âThe biggest thing I learned at Emerson was to take big swings, sometimes fail, and then get back up. Resilience is the main thing you need to have a career in the arts.â
Right before booking breakout role on Only Murders in the Building as Howard, he had initially booked a role in A League of their Own. During the height of Covid, he hadnât worked in six months and was eager to be on a set and meet new people. His team advised against it, which Michael didnât agree with.Â
âAt a certain level you have to start saying no to things, if you want to level up. For me, I know what Iâm doing, and I know what I need to work at in order to keep my mental health going.â At this, Jared commended Michael for being able to know that about himself and being able to push back. âThatâs the kind of thing you learn,â he said. âAnd I learned that at Emerson too. I didnât always agree with my teachers or classmatesâŠthere are respectful ways to push back and you have to have that skill in life.â
When he read the pilot for Only Murders, Howard didnât show up until episode two, and he was given an audition for a three line part. However, director Jamie Babbit showed the showrunner a scene from A League of their Own as an option for Howard. A callback later, and Michael was set to play Howard for two episodes.Â
Unfortunately, he had Covid for his second appearance. He was still able to shoot, but it was after he was cleared. Therefore, he had to film alone. âI didnât act disappointed, I went in and did my jobâŠand then they kept bringing me back. I think it has to do with the fact that I didnât let that disappointment shape my experience on the show.â Luckily for Michael, and Only Murders viewers, he was later cast as a series regular.Â
After the conversation with Jared, I had the opportunity to ask Michael a few questions of my own.
I asked him if this was the only career he ever thought about; he said yes. âThere was no real back-up plan,â he told me. âI love actors, the art of performance and creativity. If I didnât make it I told myself Iâd be a nurse or a social worker.â
In terms of the industry, I noted how streaming has changed how television is consumed. No longer are there twenty-two episodes in a season, and itâs rare to see a show head into eight or ten seasons. While the shorter episodes donât bother Michael, he notes that there is less of a weight between seasons. He prefers a limited series, as theyâre quick to absorb. However, he does worry that shorter shows can impact the genre variety, comedy being one of them. âShows arenât on the same schedule anymore. [Only Murders] is one of the few shows that produces a season consistently.â
Paired with that, he talked about the shrinkage on television. âCasts are getting smaller, stars are getting bigger, and there are less roles for [middle class] working actors.â He admits that doesnât necessarily mean that there arenât any roles, just less opportunities that cause working actors to work harder to break through.Â
In the future, he told me that heâd love to play Otho from Beetlejuice, who he felt deserved more screentime. Otho was one of his big inspirations for acting, so I personally believe thatâd be a lovely full circle moment to witness. If not Otho, he would like to play a âpure evil villianâ. Honestly, Iâm here for it.
It was truly a joy to be able to witness the conversation with Michael and Jared and an even greater privilege to be able to ask him a few questions one-on-one. Emerson College has done a great job in this initiative for students to be able to see up close how tangible their dreams are. I intend to attend more Masterclasses and encourage the Emerson community to do the same.