Michael Praed's fascinating life from real name to unrecognisable past

23 August 2023 , 19:00

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Michael has had a sparkling TV career over the years (Image: BBC)

He's best known for playing Robin Loxley in Robin of Sherwood in the 80s, Prince Michael of Moldavia in Dynasty, and Frank Clayton in Emmerdale, but currently Michael Praed is working on a very different show.

The actor is cooking up a storm and impressing the judges on the latest round of Celebrity MasterChef. Many fans of the TV star were gobsmacked by his appearance on the food competition, taking to the internet to say he looked "unrecognisable". And while he might have a new look, it might also surprise people to know that his appearance isn't the only thing that's changed - as Michael Praed isn't actually his real name.

The actor became a fan favourite on Emmerdale (ITV)

The 63-year-old was actually born Michael David Prince, but when attempting to join the British actors' union Equity, he soon discovered that there was already another Michael Prince who was a member. So he had to get creative and come up with a new surname. He reportedly chose the name Praed out of a telephone book and adapted the moniker as his stage name. His two children Frankie and Gabriel, whom he shares with his first wife, Karen Landau, both also have the surname Praed.

His name is now synonymous with the iconic characters he's played on screen over the years and while he's had much success in his career, the star has opened up about some of the 'sad' realities of being an actor - including the struggle to stay in touch with great co-stars. He previously told The Sun how he hadn't managed to stay close friends with anyone he'd worked with on Dynasty from 1985 to 1986.

He said: "I'm not in touch with anybody from the cast of Dynasty. It's a sad thing about this business, especially in shows where you do them for a year and forge these great bonds, then rarely get to work with those people again. It's hard to keep in touch. Or maybe I am just the most unfriendly b***ard in the country."

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Michael went on to share some other truths about his job, including opening up about an awkward incident that occurred with a fellow actor while he was filming Robin of Sherwood. He confessed to the publication: "When I played Robin in Robin Of Sherwood, my co-star Clive Mantle smacked me in the balls with a staff. I did a fight scene with him, which was fine, but then they called 'action' and he just went for me. He punctured me and the fact I'm not missing one ball is a miracle."

He starred as Robin in Robin of Sherwood in the 80s (Internet Unknown)

He claims he doesn't talk to his Dynasty co-stars (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

The actor also went on to reveal the job he's least proud of in his career, which was a stint doing panto in Southampton. He recalled how he was cast as Buttons, but he had 'no idea' what he was doing. He told how he 'loathed' doing the show and was 'unqualified' for the part at the time.

Michael thankfully had a much better time working on Emmerdale, where he built up a loyal fan base, with many outraged when his character Frank was killed off in 2019 - including his co-star Amy Walsh who played his on-screen daughter, Tracy. Amy had previously called his shock Emmerdale death a "harrowing experience", claiming he'd been "like a second dad" to her. Angry fans also took to social media in their masses to complain one of their favourites had been killed off - with some even threatening to boycott the soap, and Michael himself was also gutted to go.

"I was really sad to be killed off in Emmerdale," he admitted. "But that's the business! We actors are pragmatic. It's a brutal, brutal game. I had three cherished years and, by the end of it had become so close to all the cast and crew. It was hard to say goodbye. I moved up north for the show and loved living there. Northerners are wonderful - the most friendly, funny lovely people."

However, Michael and Amy have recently been reunited on Celebrity MasterChef, which was sure to delight both viewers at home, as well as the pair. Michael added: "I had no idea that Amy was going on the programme until I walked into the TV studios ready for filming. It was the most wonderful surprise. Amy did feel like my family. I’m grateful that MasterChef brought us back together."

Courtney Pochin