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 LondonâÂÂs 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.
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.
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. His early roles included parts in Carousel, Camelot, Sweeney Todd, Grease, Hair, James Joyce's The Dead, and A Little Night Music.
Finley moved to New York City in 2015. He made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of Les Misérables, where he understudied the role of Jean Valjean.
He later joined the Broadway company of The Book of Mormon as the standby for Elder Cunningham. His performance with the production led to West End and Australian engagements in the same role.
Finley gained widespread recognition for his film debut portraying Bart Millard in the 2018 biographical drama I Can Only Imagine, which earned notable box office results for its budget.
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:
Finley has discussed themes of faith, loss, and community in interviews related to his film work, particularly Faith of Angels.
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.