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.