Michael Obey (pronounced "oh-be") was a Lakota/Cree from the Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. He first became interested in the film-making process at the age of nine after watching Chief Dan George in Little Big Man (1970); fortunately, Michael came into contact with veteran Hollywood actor Don Francks. Francks was responsible for instilling the basic fundamentals of acting in young Michael. After training in acting, Michael served a short stint in dinner theatre where he intended to develop exceptional timing in comedy. He received his opportunity of acting onscreen in the television drama series North of 60 (1992).