Michael Champion Biography: Movies, Awards, Age, Wife, Songs, Net Worth, Height, Ethnicity, Death

Michael Champion was an American actor and musician whose career found expression both behind the mic and in front of the camera.

Beginning his public journey as a songwriter and performer in Detroit, he later transitioned into acting and appeared in notable films such as Total Recall (1990) and Beverly Hills Cop (1984).

His dual-path career reflects a creative versatility, moving from music to stage to screen, and culminating in a quiet life away from Hollywood before his passing in 2021.

Profile

• Full name: Michael Edward Campbell Champion
• Date of birth: November 3, 1946
• Age: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Anderson, Indiana, United States
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, actor
• Parents: Robert Campbell and Kate Williamson Campbell
• Siblings: Two sisters — Caralee and Suzanne
• Spouse: Melissa Champion (married for 29 years until his death)
• Children: Daughter – Emma Champion; plus other children Piper Champion, Ian Champion, Chloe Champion, as listed in obituary
• Relationship status: Married until death
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Caucasian (American)
• Net worth: US$1-3 million at time of death

Early Life and Education

Michael Champion was born in Anderson, Indiana on November 3, 1946. His parents were Robert Campbell and Kate Williamson Campbell. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan around 1962, where he began singing in local commercials and became involved in the music.

Personal Life

Later in life Michael Champion relocated to Casper, Wyoming where he lived quietly for many years. He became sober and embraced Christian faith, and was married to his wife Melissa for almost three decades until his passing. His daughter Emma studied film/TV and collaborated with him on a student film in 2014.

Career

Michael Champion’s career unfolded in two major phases:

Music (1960s-1970s)

In 1967, Champion performed with The Abstract Reality, releasing “Love Burns Like a Fire Inside”. He then co-founded Scorpion alongside Bob “Babbitt” Kreinar, Ray Monette and Andrew Smith, and his name appears as Mike Campbell on the band’s album.

He contributed to Meat Loaf’s debut album Stoney & Meatloaf (1971), with songwriting credits and harmonica performance.

Acting (late-1970s onward)

He adopted the stage name Michael Champion and transitioned into film and television around 1979. Some of his most visible film roles include:

• Prehistoric Man in History of the World: Part I (1981)
• Casey in Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
• Agent Helm in Total Recall (1990)

He also made numerous television appearances including Matlock, Diagnosis: Murder and The Flash. In later years he retired from Hollywood and contributed to local film projects in Wyoming.

Net Worth

Michael Champion’s net worth at the time of his death was approximately US$1-3 million.

Death

Michael Champion passed away on June 16, 2021 in Casper, Wyoming, United States. He was 74 years old.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• When a Stranger Calls (1979)
• 10 (1979)
• Wholly Moses! (1980)
• History of the World: Part I (1981)
• The Woman Inside (1981)
• Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
• Pink Cadillac (1989)
• One Man Out (1989)
• Total Recall (1990)
• Toy Soldiers (1991)
• Leather Jackets (1992)
• The Swordsman (1992)
• Evolver (1995)
• Aurora: Operation Intercept (1995)

Discography

• Love Burns Like a Fire Inside (single, 1967)