Michael Monasterio is a Bolivian American actor based in Los Angeles. He gravitates toward stories with layered and challenging themes, shining in his ability to bring humanity to even the most unlikeable characters.

Michael led the cast in Empty Lands, which garnered the Focus Features “Short Film of the Year Award” for 2026 and the Silver Yusr Award at RSIFF from a jury presided over by Sean Baker. He starred in Neither Donkey Nor Horse, which premiered at Telluride in 2024 and won the Student Academy Award  that same year. Most recently, he completed principal photography on Midnight Ramblings, performing opposite Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher). The project was produced through the Film Independent Fellowship.

He is inspired by actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, and most importantly, Robin Williams.