Michael Bishop, an Australian actor, is known for his roles in “Grace Beside Me” and the Disney Channel Original movie “Spin.” He got his start acting in several short films such as “Skin Like Bark” and “Shelter.” These could be considered his breakout, he was recently cast as Jonathan Kent in the hit CW series “Superman and Lois.”

Jacket by Kasa Meiggs
Shirt by Urban Outfitters

How did you get into acting?
I don’t even know if I could say I got into acting; I just kind of always did it. From early as I can remember, I was really extroverted, always performing, and always putting on these imaginary plays and showing them to my cousins and family in the living room. Then I’d rope all my cousins in and convince them to play dragons, kings, and queens while making our grandparents and family watch them. When I was about 10 or 11, I joined a theater class. I think my mom was like, we need him to put all this energy he has into something, so then that’s when I really fell in love with it.

Jordan Elsass originally played the role of Jonathan Kent for the first two seasons of “Superman and Lois.” Was it intimidating taking on the role of an already developed character?
It was definitely intimidating. and I was really excited. I think Jonathan is such an awesome character in the comics and on the show, plus I was already a huge fan of the show. But it was already intimidating because everyone loved Jordan so much, and I really wanted to respect what he did. He did a wonderful job, so my goal was to work off the foundations that he built so wonderfully and find where I fit in with John. All in all, I had a really fun time, and it was an incredible experience.

What was it like having to move all the way across the world from Australia to Canada for the TV series? Had you left Australia prior to this?
Vancouver was so much fun; it was an amazing experience. The biggest thing I had to adjust to was the weather. I’m used to it being hot all the time, so in Australia you’re in a singlet and thongs (aka flip flops), and meanwhile Vancouver is freezing. This cold is a temperature I had never experienced before, but I would forget how cold it was at times. A very Australian thing to do walk around barefoot, so sometimes I’d have to catch myself falling back into my ways from back home and freezing, ha-ha.

Vancouver was so much fun. We built up a huge family from all the other shows that were shooting out there. I even had two really great friends out there already. I was able to spend time with them. We built up a really cool community and had so much fun. We were always up to something.

**Left:**
Jacket by Stylist’s Own
Tank by Urban Outfitters
**Right:**
Vest by Kasa Meiggs
Shirt by LUCA FALONI
Pants by Pas Une Marque
Shoes by PS Kaufman

Can you give any hints of what’s to come from your character?
I think we are going to see John question his own character. We’ll see John continue to do his best to be a great brother and son. Even when that becomes difficult, I think times are tough right now on the Kents. I hope that John tries to be strong for his mom, dad, and brother. I think we’re going to see a lot of that.

Have you always been a fan of Superman and other DC Comics stories?
Of course! How can you not be a fan of superman? He’s the coolest superhero of all time. I have this photo of me from when I was around 4 years old, dressed up as Superman for Halloween, so in a way I’ve been manifesting this role for a little while.

I’ve always known comics are so, so cool. I think that the super world is timelessly entertaining, and I love the way TV and film have translated all these comics into their respective mediums. It remains one of my favorite genres even if it gets a lot of hate sometimes. Superhero movies are just so fun.

What things did you do to prepare for the role of Jonathan Kent?
I had only about five days from when I booked the role to when we started shooting. This casting was a really quick turnaround, so I didn’t get much time to prepare. However, I was lucky in that I felt I already knew this character pretty well. I’d like to think we’re not too far from each other, and I’d like to think I am as kind as John although I don’t know if my brothers would say the same, ha-ha. He’s really just a love and respect first kind of guy and I hope people would describe him in that way as well, so that relation to John made it easy to jump right in.

Who are some of your role models?
Personally, my grandpa is a huge inspiration to me. He is such an incredible guy, who loves having his family around him. You can tell that quality family time is what he lives for, and I’ve always thought that’s really admirable. He’s just such a class act and a great guy.

**Left:**
Jumpsuit by Oak & Acorn
Shoes by Be Positive
**Right:**
Vest by Kasa Meiggs
Shirt by LUCA FALONI
Pants by Pas Une Marque

It seems as if there’s a prophecy for Disney stars to achieve superstardom after their films and TV shows debut. Now that you’ve snagged this huge role in a CW show. How are you grappling with the idea that this could be your breakout into prominence?
My honest answer is I’m grateful to be able to take it day- by-day. If I get an opportunity to keep doing this and continue to work by making cool movies and shows, then I’m happy. All I want is to continue to find good projects and right now I’ve been lucky. I’m forever grateful for Superman and Lois.

What are some of your hobbies?
I love trying new things including attempting to surf, and usually failing. I love a bit of rugby and a poker game; poker is so fun to do. I’ve been obsessed with poker recently. I also just enjoy board games in general. I crush a game of Monopoly honestly. It’s definitely like World War III when that board comes out, me and my bros we take Monopoly seriously. You probably don’t want to be in a 10-foot radius of my brothers when we’re playing. Without fail it will get really intense.

You seem to have developed a great friendship with your cast members. What was it like strengthening that bond, and what were some of your favorite moments together?
We had a lot of good times and the entire cast turned into one big family. We really did have so much fun together. Alex Garfin and I decided after finding out we weren’t needed on set for a few days, spontaneously booked a trip to Hawaii only about five hours in advance of the flight. I left with the shirt I was wearing, my passport, and that was it. We took an incredible, quick vacation and had so much fun. We just loved to do a ton of different things together; we went bowling a lot and even went to this fright night event during Halloween, which was cool.

**Left:**
Jacket by Stylist’s Own
Shirt by Urban Outfitters
**Right:**
Jumpsuit by Oak & Acorn
Shoes by Be Positive

On your Instagram, you’ve been vocal about breast cancer awareness. Can you speak more about how important using your platform for good causes is to you?
I think anyone w a platform should support what they believe in. Breast cancer is a big one for me obviously. It’s bizarre that on the show John’s mom has breast cancer, because I lived through that as well roughly five years ago with my own mom. I figure anything I can do to help give back I should do. So, I think it’s important, at minimum, to use your voice in those spaces.

Social Media.
Instagram @michaelclivebishop

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Michael Bishop
Fashion Stylist: Douglas Hickman
Groomer: Pavy Olivarez at Rouge Artists
Tearsheets by Daniel López Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ary Russell, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine