Michael Lee Simpson

Michael Lee Simpson
Title: Digital News Writer - PEOPLE
Education: University of Kansas
  • Michael Lee Simpson has covered everything from entertainment and culture to breaking news, crime, features, human interest, politics, sports, evergreen content, commerce, and film criticism. He also produces the Inspired Minds podcast, which hosts influential figures in the entertainment industry.
  • He joined PEOPLE in 2023 after contributing to the AAPI Heritage Month package and now serves as a Digital News Writer, spanning across the site’s verticals.
  • Previously, Michael was a contributing writer for Entertainment Weekly, Variety, BuzzFeed, Reader's Digest, Backstage, Creative Screenwriting Magazine, The Drill Mag, Script Magazine, Ocala Magazine, and a film critic for The Kansas City Star.

Experience

Michael Lee Simpson is a Digital News Writer at PEOPLE and Creator/Executive producer of the Inspired Minds podcast. He has interviewed numerous remarkable talents, including Oscar winners, actors, musicians, producers, directors, screenwriters, and bestselling authors. His Entertainment Weekly article, "The Best Nicolas Cage Roles," featured Nicolas Cage along with filmmakers and co-stars from "Con Air," "Face/Off," "Moonstruck," "Adaptation," "Matchstick Men," "Lord of War," "Bringing out the Dead," "Vampire's Kiss," and "The Rock."

Before exploring journalism and podcasting, Michael began writing movies at age 13. His screenplay, "Worthy of Gold," won the Austin Film Festival and WorldFest Houston, and for two consecutive years, achieved standings in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.

Education

Michael Lee Simpson graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of General Studies in Film & Media and a Minor in English.

About PEOPLE

PEOPLE, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, delivers the most trustworthy celebrity news and captivating human interest stories, connecting you to the pulse of American culture. Since our first issue hit stands in 1974, we have been striving to tell compelling stories about the people behind the issues, as opposed to just the issues themselves. We are your everyday escape, taking you inside the lives of intriguing stars, newsmakers, up-and-comers and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We serve and delight you by providing ideas about beauty, food and style through the lens of the people influencing the trends. And we are a force for good by telling stories of hope, optimism and kindness that drive conversation and inspire action. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.

Latest from Michael Lee Simpson

a massachusetts boy who died and his family thinks it was due to the one chip challenge
Cause of Death Revealed for Teen Who Died After ‘One Chip Challenge’
Winnie Harlow; Katt Williams
Winnie Harlow Dresses Up as Katt Williams for Halloween: ‘My Favourite Comedian’
This photo released by the Lewiston Maine Police Department shows Robert Card, who police have identified as a person of interest in connection to mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
Family of Robert Card Warned Authorities About His Mental Decline Months Before Maine Shootings: Report
Japan shooting post office hostage hospital shooting 10 31 23
Suspected Gunman in Japan Holding Hostages Inside Post Office After Hospital Shooting
Joe Jonas attends as Armani Beauty Celebrates ACQUA DI GIO and Gen A on July 15, 2023 in Malibu, California.
Joe Jonas Officiates Wedding for Band Member During Anaheim Concert
Magic Johnson Billionaire 04 02 23
Magic Johnson Is Now a Billionaire
Utah Hiker Gets Stuck for 12 Hours After Knee Gets Trapped
Hiker Rescued 12 Hours After His Knee Got Stuck in Crack of Cliff
WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
FDA Urges Parents to Test Kids for Lead After Issuing WanaBana Puree Pouch Recall
Yorkshire terrier lying on the floor and looking at camera
New York Animal Control Officer Arrested, Charged for Selling Family’s Yorkshire Terrier 
Man Switches Powerball Numbers and Loses Out on $1.5B Prize, But Still Becomes Millionaire
Virginia Man Loses $1.5B by Changing His Powerball Numbers But Still Becomes a Millionaire
Close up of senior Asian woman getting Covid-19 vaccine in arm for Coronavirus immunization by a doctor at hospital. Elderly healthcare and illness prevention concept
Flu Shots Might Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer's and Other Dementias 
Kristen Stewart Says Guy Fieri Won’t Officiate Her Wedding After All
Kristen Stewart Says Guy Fieri Won’t Officiate Her Wedding After All: He’ll ‘Be There in Spirit' 
Ken Allen and Darren Harrison, Pilot Who Passed Out Mid-Flight Reunites with Passenger Who Miraculously Landed Plane Connected for Life
Pilot Who Passed Out Mid-Flight Reunites with Passenger Who Miraculously Landed Plane: 'Connected for Life'
Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., speaks during the Problem Solvers Caucus press conference in the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020.
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips Officially Launches Democratic Primary Bid, Challenging President Biden
Landon Barker; Charli DAmelio; Dixie DAmelio
Charli D’Amelio Says Her Boyfriend Landon Barker and Sister Dixie ‘Bicker Like Siblings’ (Exclusive)
Lewiston Maine shooting 10 26 23 Auburn
Maine Shooting: Witness Describes How She Laid On Top of 11-Year-Old Daughter to Protect Her at Bowling Alley
Bry Burrows and Jalen Hurts attend the 2023 Time100 Next at Second on October 24, 2023 in New York City
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Makes Rare Appearance with Girlfriend Bry Burrows at Time100 Next Gala
Black Bea
Officials Capture Bear That Attacked Security Guard in Colorado Hotel Kitchen 
Cherok Douglass sentenced to 240 years in prison for killing his wife
Indiana Man Sentenced to 240 Years for Fatally Shooting Wife and Bystander at Gas Station
Usher Responds to A'ja Wilson's Request to Join Their Las Vegas Aces Championship Parade
Usher Responds to A'ja Wilson's Request for Him to Join the Las Vegas Aces Championship Parade
Williams' US driver Logan Sargeant speaks during a press conference ahead of the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 19, 2023.
Logan Sargeant Reacts to Making American Formula 1 History: 'What an Experience'
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said they used DNA analysis, paid for by donors, to determine that Chong Un Kim, 26, was the person whose body was discovered in rural Millen in February 1988
Woman Found Dead in Dumpster Identified 35 Years After Discovery
Fraser Bohm charged with pepperdine Malibu crash
Driver, 22, Arrested on 4 Counts of Murder Over Deaths of Pepperdine Crash Victims 
Dec 23, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; NBA referee Che Flores (91) smiles between plays during the first quarter between the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center.
NBA Ref Che Flores Becomes First Out Transgender Official in U.S. Pro Sports