J. Michael Finley

John Michael Finley (born August 10, 1988) is an American actor and singer. He is known for portraying Bart Millard in the 2018 film I Can Only Imagine. He has appeared on Broadway, in London’s West End, in the Australian production of The Book of Mormon, and in numerous Chicago-area theatres. He is a member of the Actors' Equity Association.

Early life and education Finley was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and raised in Lebanon, Missouri. He began singing and acting in junior high school and performed in school and community theatre. He later studied musical theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, earning a BFA.

Career Early Chicago theatre Finley launched his professional career in Chicago, performing in productions at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Writers' Theatre, Court Theatre, and the Mercury Theatre.

He is set to reprise the role in I Can Only Imagine 2, scheduled for release in 2026, with Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins returning.

Finley has also appeared in other faith-based and historical films, including:

Faith of Angels (2024), portraying John Skinner, a man whose knowledge of a mine aids in rescuing a lost child.

Other work Finley has discussed themes of faith, loss, and community in interviews related to his film work, particularly Faith of Angels.

Personal life Finley married Elizabeth Doran on December 2, 2017. He has a baritone singing voice and is a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He is also a member of the Actors' Equity Association.

Selected filmography

Selected theatre credits