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By Nicole Sipe
Ticket Intern

Some guys just have all the luck. That seems to be the case for Michael Welch, who is currently appearing in the absolute phenomenon that is “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” as Mike Newton.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., Welch has been acting since the age of 10 and has appeared in quite a few high rated television series, such as “Joan of Arcadia,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “The X-Files,” among others.

To date, Welch has worked on more than three-dozen television shows and has appeared in more than five movies, including “Twilight” and “New Moon.”

Welch plays Mike Newton — a character from Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series — in the movie adaptation. He is the human who is vying for Bella’s affections, but ultimately, he can’t compete with his supernatural opposition.

Welch originally auditioned for the role of Edward Cullen, but after reading through a few roles, it was discovered that he was perfect for the role of Mike Newton, and the rest is history. Since then, Welch has been a big part of the “Twilight” explosion and his name is now more recognizable than it has ever been.

“I originally hadn’t read the books or heard all of the hype surrounding ‘Twilight,’” says Welch. “I went into this project with a clear head from the start. And after I had read the script and the books, I realized what a big deal this was.”

“Big deal” is an understatement. “Twilight” has exploded onto the scene, getting everyone who sees it hooked, no matter what age or gender. And the anticipation for the latest “Twilight” installment has been huge, with the film being dubbed as the “movie sensation of the year.”

“I’m lucky because the story does not lie on Mike Newton — it takes the pressure off a little bit; it allows me to relax and just have fun with it,” says Welch.

One thing that Welch cannot deny is that he plays a part in one of the biggest pop culture phenomena this country has seen in awhile.

But Welch has not let fame get to his head. He remains down-to-earth and grounded, with his priorities in order. Welch does a vast amount of work with charity, specifically “Kids with a Cause.”

“It’s a fantastic organization and I’ve been with them since the beginning. It’s a multi-cause organization that helps kids in need pursue their dreams. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it,” says Welch.

One of the most remarkable things about Welch is his everyday, guy-next-door personality and his easygoing nature. This shows in his onscreen persona, so be sure to catch his performance in “New Moon.”

One thing is for certain: Welch’s 15 minutes is just beginning, and we’re sure to see a lot of him in the future.

“The fan support is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. All of the fans are just so gracious and wonderful. And as for the future, I have no idea where I’m going to go. I’m just going to keep working hard and hope that I can do this for the rest of my life,” says Welch.