Audiobook narrator

As a child, Michael James Bell spent most of his time reading books. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles, where he became an actor and a narrator. He narrates across genres, from science fiction to young adult to nonfiction to romance (under the pseudonym Espen Cooper).

Michael appears regularly on TV and in films, frequently with an accent that isn't his own. He is a dialect specialist.

Michael was a professional fisherman for two months, a child expat for two years, and a backend programmer for two decades. He served on the board of directors of The Center for Election Science, a nonprofit that strives to make democracy work for everyone.

Audible: Michael James Bell / Espen Cooper

Have a listen

Genre: Audio Series (Thriller)

with Winston Duke

Genre: Nonfiction (Business Leadership)

Genre: Romance (M/M)

Accent: American

Genre: Romance (M/F)

Accent: Icelandic

Genre: Nonfiction (Film)

Genre: Romance (Cozy, M/F)

Accent: British (Northern)

Genre: Nonfiction (True Crime)

Genre: Romance (M/F)

Accent: Norwegian

Genre: Young Adult

Accent: American

Genre: Science Fiction

Accent: British (Historical RP)

Genre: Romance (M/M)

Accent: American (Western)

Thoughtful, compassionate, keen. Your quiet friend—with a bite.

Michael’s facility with language cannot be matched. His offbeat humor elicits laughter in new and surprising ways. Add these to an incomparable work ethic and you’ve got a talent who can get the job done efficiently and effectively.

-Katie Von Till, the voice of Snow White

Michael is an incredibly meticulous, skilled dialectician. With a first-class ear, he has the flexibility to be both specific to the dialect and adaptable to the demands of the project. He also happens to be a supportive, collaborative colleague and a pleasure to work with.

-Amanda Quaid, speech and dialect coach

Espen Cooper is heart-meltingly charming and funny as the dreamy book boyfriend, Ozzie.

-@thewellreadmermaid

Michael James Bell is one of those rare actors who not only brings his personal truth to the roles he plays but also shapeshifts to meet the demands of characters who are, on the surface, quite different from him. He has a staggering facility with dialect, text, and language. On top of that, Michael is witty, warm, collaborative, and personable.

-Hollace Star, director

Let’s talk