Michele was born in Southern California to a family of 7 girls & 1 boy. Her father, Wayne Hartunian, worked at MGM studios in set design and special effects. He was even in a movie with Elvis Presley, Kissin' Cousins (1964)! Her Grandfather, Charles "Hovey" Hovland, who was the head of Transportation, drove actors like Marilyn Monroe to and from the studio. Hovey worked with MGM for over 40 years where many other family members worked as well including her cousin, Richard Hartunian, who starred in Hot Rod Rumble (1957).