14 year old Michael Kurowski loves nature, scouting and theater. Sound like your average teenager? Yes, except for during this past July.

In one month, Kurowski went from starring in the Bloomfield Hills St. Hugo of the Hills school play to walking onto the Royal Oak film set of Gran Torino, and shaking hands with legendary director and star Clint Eastwood.

“I thought I was meeting Dirty Harry, but he was really nice and has a great sense of humor,” said a star-struck Michael. “It all started because I loved being on stage so much that I asked my parent to sign me up with a talent agency. The casting people liked my headshot, asked me to audition and I got the job,” the excited teen added.

Kurowski and the other principle actors were cast by Pounds Mooney Casting, of Madison Heights. “I cast Michael as Eastwood’s grandson because he is the right age, with the right look and has acting experience,” said casting director Kathy Mooney. “Michael did a great job,” praised Mooney.

Michael plays the oldest of Walt Kowalski’s (Eastwood’s character) grandsons. Kowalski is a crusty Korean War Veteran and former auto worker, who develops an unlikely friendship with the teenage son of his new neighbors, an immigrant Hmong family. Kowalski is determined to reform the teen, who tries to steal Walt’s classic 1972 Gran Torino.

The film was shot in 33 days last summer in Highland Park, St. Clair Shores and Royal Oak. The cast and crew felt their 78-year-old director’s experience and no nonsense style. That meant very few takes of each scene, because Eastwood knew when he had what he need and moved on.

Michael noticed that focus, and also found a mentor. He says Eastwood helped him explore his character.

“My character is not really like me” Michael said. “Mr. Eastwood helped me to define my character. We got to know each other, and I made a friend,” beamed the young actor.

The $35 Million dollar film will be released December 25. Michael and his dad flew to Hollywood for the cast and crew screening December 8. He plans to see it with his friends when it opens locally. “They still can’t believe this happened to me and neither can I,” Kurowski said.