Michael Aaron Gallagher (left) makes a brief cameo in the action thriller “Iris” (2018), directed by Christopher Steinberger and starring Michelle Hunter, which is available on Amazon Prime.
In 2008, Michael Aaron Gallagher attended his first movie audition and was offered a role as a character in the independent horror film Ms. Cannibal Holocaust (SRS Cinema) by award-winning Director Ron Bonk (House Shark) and award-winning Executive Producer Jonathan Straiton (The Two Plates).
“Ms. Cannibal Holocaust” DVD cover.
This mask was one of the masks worn by Michael Aaron Gallagher, while shooting the indie horror film “Ms. Cannibal Holocaust” (2012) by SRS Cinema. On the final day of shooting, Michael asked the director for permission to keep the bloody mask, which is now in a special display case. (The fake “blood” was actually beet juice.)
In a Q&A about the film Michael said, “Being in Ms. Cannibal Holocaust was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done… I just loved being a part of the whole process. I was so excited about doing it, I signed on before I even read the script. A lot of people were surprised when I told them I was doing a horror film, but it was great because it gave me an opportunity to show everyone that I could do something different. Most people have seen me behind the camera, but this was my chance to get in front of it. It was so much fun wearing a mask and doing action scenes. I don’t have any aspirations to be a big time movie actor, but if I get offered another role anywhere in the country, I will definitely consider it. It’s just too much fun to say no.”
Director Ron Bonk reflected on working with Michael on the film. “Michael was a pleasure to have on set – on time, attentive, able to follow instructions easily, combined with the ability to quickly learn on-the-spot, knife-fight choreography,” he said. “Truly an asset to any movie production!”
“Michael is a director’s dream,” Producer Jonathan Straiton echoed. “He’s not afraid to push the limits, or try ’till we get the take! He’s early, he stays late and dives in head first. Actors like Michael add true professionalism to the art.”
Although it received a 17% score on RottenTomatoes and critics called the indie horror film one of the worst movies of the year, it was released on DVD in 2012, and is also available to watch on Amazon Prime, Tubi and other streaming platforms.
Michael Aaron Gallagher (far right) appeared in the indie horror film “Ms. Cannibal Holocaust (2012).”
In 2012, Michael Aaron Gallagher attended his second open casting call for the movie Adult World (starring Emma Roberts, John Cusack and Cloris Leachman). After Director Scott Coffey saw Michael at the casting call, he received a callback and was asked to audition for a small role as a computer repair technician in a scene with Emma Roberts, although he was not offered the part. Regardless, the scene was cut from the final film and only appears in the DVD extras.
“Iris” movie poster.
These painted prosthetic teeth were worn by Michael Aaron Gallagher in the indie horror film “Ms. Cannibal Holocaust” (2012).
In 2013, Michael was an extra in a scene with actress Michelle Hunter for the independent action thriller Iris (directed by Christopher Steinberger). The film, which was produced by Watchworks Studios is available to watch on Amazon Prime, Tubi and other streaming platforms.
In 2021, Michael attended the Audition Workshop for Actors, presented by Annie Delano of AND Casting at the Syracuse International Film Festival.
In 2025, Michael was a background extra in a funeral scene for the upcoming independent feature film The Sentinel by Director Joe Cunningham. The plot involves a combat veteran with PTSD and his relationship with his son.
Michael is hoping to make a cameo in another film in the future when the right opportunity presents itself.
Movie Trivia
Two silver biker rings featuring the Mexican 20 Centavos coin worn by Michael Aaron Gallagher while filming his movie scenes.
1. In all three films Michael has appeared in as an actor, he was dressed in all black.
2. Although the ring cannot be seen on camera in The Sentinel, Michael wore a replica of the silver biker ring he wore while filming his scenes for Ms. Cannibal Holocaust and Iris. The ring holds a Mexican 20 Centavos coin from 1939. Like the original (which was a gift from his mother), it was commissioned to have the obverse side showing. It features the Mexican coat of arms with an eagle devouring a rattlesnake.
3. Michael was an extra in a scene in the dramatic film The Sentinel that featured actress Jennie Russo. Michael also filmed scenes with Jennie 16 years prior for the indie horror film Ms. Cannibal Holocaust.
Visit Michael Aaron Gallagher‘s IMDb page at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614756/