Video: Michael Shayan Talks Identity and Visibility in DOG DAY AFTERNOON
Shayan plays 'Mr. Nesbit' in Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway.
Michael Shayan is not just an actor—he’s a force. The Emmy-nominated, Harvard-trained performer, writer, and illusionist joins us fresh off his Broadway debut in Dog Day Afternoon, bringing a voice that is as unique as it is necessary.
Recognized by NBC as a “rising star in comedy” and honored on the OUT100 list of influential LGBTQ+ visionaries, Michael has built a career that blends storytelling, identity, and artistry in groundbreaking ways. His acclaimed solo work AVAAZ—inspired by his Iranian-American roots—has played to sold-out audiences across the country, while his work on HBO’s The Book of Queer continues to push representation forward in meaningful ways.
In this conversation, we talk about stepping onto the Broadway stage, his connection to Dog Day Afternoon—a story rooted in real-life events that challenged norms around identity and visibility—and why his perspective as a queer Iranian-American artist matters now more than ever.
About The Roundtable with Robert Bannon:
The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is a show about art & artists! From the best of Broadway, TV, Film, Music and Social Media, there is something for everyone! From the biggest stars on Broadway to up & coming musicians to legendary movie stars, The Roundtable aims to shed light to those using their voices for change and to entertain. After over 300 episodes and over one million viewers of The Roundtable on YouTube & The Broadway Podcast Network, the show begins airing exclusive weekly episodes on BroadwayWorld every Friday. From Ann-Margret to Bianca Del Rio, you just never know who will show up!
