MICHAEL EVANS BEHLING IS NOT IN A RUSH. AFTER SEVEN SEASONS AS JORDAN BAKER ON THE CW SERIES ALL AMERICAN, HE CARRIES BOTH THE WEIGHT AND EASE OF A MAN WHO KNOWS THE VALUE OF GROWTH – ON SCREEN AND OFF. WHETHER HE’S DISCUSSING THE EMOTIONAL EVOLUTION OF HIS CHARACTER, THE DISCIPLINE OF HIS PRE-MED COLLEGE YEARS, OR THE THRILL OF PLAYING ROLES WITH DARKER, MORE COMPLEX EDGES, BEHLING SPEAKS WITH A GROUNDED CHARM AND A VISIBLE HUNGER FOR CHALLENGE. HERE, WE CATCH THE ACTOR IN A MOMENT OF CALM BEFORE THE STORM: JUST WEEKS OUT FROM THE START OF FILMING SEASON 8, REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY SO FAR, THE STORIES YET TO BE TOLD, AND THE POWER OF SHOWING UP, FLAWS AND ALL.

Left Top **Prada**, pants **Gucci**
Right Jacket **Emporio Armani**, glasses **Gucci**

All American has been on for seven seasons now. What parts of Jordan's storyline continue to excite you each season?

What keeps me excited is Jordan’s maturity – seeing him become, in a way, a younger version of Billy Baker. In the first few seasons, he wouldn’t have taken on the responsibilities he does now. Also, the rebooted cast brought a refreshing energy. They’re hungry, driven, and inspiring to work with. And then there's the comedy – Jordan’s detective side. He’s been on a few "cases" over the years, and he's hilariously bad at it. Every time he jumps to conclusions, Layla has to reel him back in. Those moments continue to drive me and continue to excite me.

What do you think would make Jordan a better detective?

He jumps to conclusions way too quickly and trusts his instincts a bit too much – and they’re not exactly Inspector Gadget or Sherlock Holmes-level. They’re those of a football player from Beverly Hills who is privileged. [Laughs]

Left Jacket **Random Identities**
Right Pants **Dsquared2**, tank top **Paradise Kinda**

You mentioned Jordan’s maturity. When did you personally feel like you’d matured?

Honestly, there are still days I feel like a kid with adult responsibilities. But seriously, probably around 2022, right after COVID. I bought my house and felt that shift. I’ve always had a bit of an “old soul” vibe – friends call me grandpa because I like my routines, my sleep, and leaving parties early. But I also know how to have fun when it’s time.

On the show, there's a lot of pressure around becoming a pro athlete. You had some experience with this from your track days. What lessons stuck with you?

Jordan definitely had more pressure than I did. I never aimed for the Olympics – I didn’t think that was in the cards. But being a Division I athlete came with its own intensity. I was studying biology pre-med while training, which meant 6 a.m. lifts, classes, practice, and then hours of studying. It was exhausting. That discipline stuck with me, even if my path shifted.

Tank top **Paradise Kinda**, denim **Celine**, scarf **McQueen**

Jordan's not a great detective, but he's becoming a coach. What makes him a good one?

He’s learned to listen. He’s not throwing punches anymore – he’s talking things through. Even though he may not fully relate to all the players, especially those from Crenshaw, he listens and encourages them to believe in themselves. That ability comes from Billy Baker. Flaws and all, his dad taught him how to talk to and inspire the kids.

What are some of the most meaningful reactions you’ve received from fans of the show?

Two stand out. First, the scene in season one when Jordan and Spencer are pulled over – that sparked a lot of personal messages from fans who said it resonated deeply, especially with their own experiences. The second was from a pair of biracial twins – white mom, Black dad – who said they felt seen watching Jordan and Olivia. That sibling dynamic mattered to them. It shows how powerful and necessary representation is.

Left Jacket **Random Identities**, tank top **Paradise Kinda**, shorts **Aries Arise**

So how did acting find its way into your life?

Funny story. I told my mom in college I wanted a tattoo, and she suggested I try modelling instead. We sent my senior photos to a local agency—they bit. I started working every couple of weeks, then did more after I left Indiana State. That led to commercials, print work, and eventually auditions. I started taking acting classes in Louisville and improv in New York. My first TV role was “Handsome Dude” on Empire. Just three lines, but it changed my life. That one scene helped me get a manager, and soon after, I was auditioning for All American.

You seem to be a big fan of The Dark Knight [the film’s poster hangs behind the actor while we are talking]. Are you drawn to darker characters?

Absolutely. I love the idea of playing someone who’s flawed, maybe even villainous.
I want to be able to jump into situations where people are not so clean and perfect and pristine, where the audience doesn’t know if they want to root for them or not.

Left Pants **Adidas**, tank top **Paradise Kinda**, watch **Omega**
Right Top **Prada**

What’s the last movie that gave you that “wow” moment?

Sinners. I saw it at Quentin Tarantino’s theatre in East LA with a castmate. Shot in 70mm. It had twist after twist, and we left the theatre just buzzing. It was emotional and surprising and reminded me why I love storytelling.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Getting back to work on season 8 of All American. It’s been a great summer – I’ve had a lot of great opportunities and a lot of fun. I might squeeze in one more pool party before we shoot. But after that, it’s time to lock in.

What are the essential elements of a great pool party? Besides the pool, of course!

Good people. You can have a bartender, burger truck, great music – but if the vibe isn’t right, what’s the point? You need people who are ready to relax and have fun. Otherwise, you might as well lounge in your own backyard.