Meet the former
“General Hospital”
cast member
who founded
I On Youth
and
I On The Scene
Irene Michaels is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and accomplished equestrian. As a Beauty and Lifestyle Expert, she has maintained a lifestyle of anti-aging and launched her own beauty brand I On Youth Collection by Irene Michaels.
Her career began as a dancer, model, and actress and is recognized by many from her recurring role on the daytime drama, General Hospital.
She has appeared in several feature films and on stage in various theater productions.
Demonstrating her unique ingenuity, her career later shifted from working in front of the camera; as an entrepreneur and producer, she formed two productions companies that produced promotional events for corporations, hotels, and convention centers. Irene also created Show Time, a modeling agency, which flourished for over 12 years.
Returning back to her roots in beauty, celebrity, and health, she started her own online brand, I On The Scene. The culture, fashion, and beauty webzine publishes and streams exciting content on the biggest entertainment news, nationally and globally.
In addition, she is a contributor to HuffPost and Reel Chicago. In January of 2019, Irene graced the cover of Resident Magazine.
I On The Scene covers current topics of interest to a wide variety of readers.
Through the webzine, Irene has featured red carpet events including the Academy
Awards, Golden Globes, Tonys, Grammys, Emmys, Festival of Cannes, Worldwide Fashion Weeks, and equestrian events across the globe. She’s had the unique opportunity to interview the following celebrities: Al Pacino, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, Vanessa Redgrave, Quentin Tarantino, Joan Rivers, Harry Connick Jr., and Ethan Hawke among others.
I ON THE SCENE | MASTER REEL
How did you get into the business? I started taking dance lessons at the age of 8 and became a professional dancer at 16 years old. I performed all over the United States and Canada. I caught the show biz bug early and it has been my world ever since. There is no business-like show business.
What obstacles have you faced specifically because of your gender? I must say I have been pretty lucky in that area. I have never encountered a bad experience and all the auditions and interviews I went on were very professional and in good taste. I do know that certain people have given the business a terrible reputation . I have to say again that I was lucky not to witness any of it.
Best thing to ever happen to you to remind you that you are a woman? I would have to say falling in love. It is the healthiest state to be in; I got married a few years ago to a wonderful man, Arny Granat who is also in show business. I feel privileged being able to work and play within the same career field with my husband.
Work you are most proud of? This is a tough question because I really am proud of all my work. What stands out in my mind most currently is my webzine, ionthescene. It is a culmination of years of experience in front and behind the camera. It showcases my work as a model, spokeswoman, producer, and all areas of my entertainment career. I was always very fond of acting and had the opportunity to work in day time soap operas as well as a dozen films or more. I have walked on many red carpets at some of the highest profile events all over the world and that makes me proud.
How do you describe the most significant #metoo moment of your life? This is a very debatable area. I have compassion for any woman who has been mistreated or sexually harassed in any way. Whether it is at home with domestic violence or in the work field, it’s wrong. I do think women have to fight back on this topic; however, it seems a bit out of hand these days. If this continues, it is possible men will not make any attempt to socialize with women for fear that they will be misinterpreted. I’m for the women on this topic…
How have professional attitudes towards women evolved during your career? I feel that we as women have gained a great deal of respect. There are more women in film and executive positions than ever before. . I truly believe in all work areas women are gaining the respect they deserve and have quality jobs and a salary to match.
Trapped on an island what essentials must you have? Eye Drops, lip balm, a comb, glasses, scissors, hopefully a phone, (that probably wouldn’t work anyway) a hat, shoes on my feet and a book of matches.
If you had a time machine, what would you say to your past self? I’d tell my younger self to get as much education as possible and never to stop learning. It’s also incredibly important to know when to throw in the towel if something isn’t working right and have the grace to accept it and try something new. It is ok to loose several times before you win. At any age, keep trying!
If you could have a one-on-one with anyone who would it be? And why? I would love to be able to talk to my deceased mother to express things to her I didn’t get a chance to say when she was alive and to tell her how much I appreciate her as a mother and a friend. Also, to let her know that all the things she taught me I put to good use and that she would be very proud of me. She showed me integrity, honesty, and loyalty which I carry through my life and will continue to do so until we meet again.
To see the complete list of Reel Women, click here.
