Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Mike grew up the small farming town of North Branford, Connecticut just outside of New Haven. His father, a Vietnam vet, was a police officer and his mother was an office shipping clerk for automobile parts. He is the oldest of two brothers and a sister. At the young age of twelve Mike discovered he had a talent for doing celebrity impersonations. The reaction from those around him were of amazement as he manipulated his voice in remarkable ways. Soon after he jumped into stand-up comedy while only thirteen years old. Mike's big break came to him in early 1992 when, at the age of sixteen, he and a small group of friends, created a new talk/variety television show. The show, "Comedy After Dark starring Mike Burke", gave him a platform for what he loved doing, performing and make others laugh. He served as producer, writer, and talk show host. The show originally aired on the town's public access station for a short time. Mike wanted a bigger audience so they moved the show to cable and it became a smash hit throughout parts of Connecticut. Mike and his cast had become local stars and the show, which featured political satire, sketch comedy, and improvisation went on to become the cable station's most watched show in their history. Mike ended the show, on their 100th episode, the very week he graduated from North Branford High School in 1994.
After leaving television Mike moved onto writing, producing, directing, and starring in a series of independent feature films. He is now moving into bigger Hollywood productions and is spending more time as an actor. He has become a huge creative force in entertainment and many of those that have seen his work say he is on his way to becoming a future star.
While waiting in line to meet two football stars of the New York Jets, Mike (ten years old at the time) and his two younger brothers were randomly pulled out of line in order to star in their own TV commercial.
In 1992, was only 16 years old and still in High School when he created and became the host of a comedy talk show for cable TV. He and the show became a big hit within the state of Connecticut(USA)
In early 1993, Mike made an attempt to become David Letterman's replacement for the NBC talk show "Late Night". He had contacted NBC and sent in an audition tape which featured clips from his TV show "Comedy After Dark starring Mike Burke." NBC replied soon after. They said they would consider his audition tape if he could get his work protected through the Writers Guild of America and get a credited Agent. Mike decided not to go further with his pursuit choosing to instead graduate High School with his fellow classmates. Conan O'Brien was eventually chosen as the new host of Late Night.
Besides acting and film making, Mike is a published poet, a skilled photographer, skilled furniture builder, a talented artist having created many paintings and has even sold a series of drawings. He can also build a computer from scratch.
Was only twelve years old when he became a stand-up comic performing at parties and eventually a restaurant.
Mother is of Italian and English-Canadian descent, Father is of Irish and French-Canadian descent.
Shares a birthday with Bette Midler, Richard Pryor, Woody Allen, Treat Williams, and Carol Alt.
Is the oldest of four. Brothers Jason (b. 1977), Chris (b. 1979), and sister Ryan (b. 1985)