Stephen Michael Shearer was born in Illinois to retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Robert Dean Sypult and Billie Melba Fuller, a Registered Nurse. He has two older sisters, and a younger brother. He was raised in Illinois, Michigan, and Arkansas. At the age of 10 he began reading film biographies, his favorite author being Gerold Frank. At 11 he wrote his first screenplay Hellen and Ellen in the Wilderness and dreamt of becoming a film actor. As a child he appeared on local radio and appeared in numerous school plays to overcome his innate shyness. As a teenager, he was assistant editor of high school paper, penning numerous columns. He was awarded a three-year honorary scholarship from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, and was a film director, public service coordinator, and host of an afternoon TV show "The Movies" for a local CBS-affiliate. At university he majored in vocal and instrumental music, minored in psychology performing proficiently on string bass, cello, concert tuba, French horn, baritone, piano, and percussion. His major was voice .
His fathers ancestry was of French-Irish decent, and includes Clark Gable, Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
His mothers ancestry was English, and includes his mothers half-brother, legendary rockabilly guitarist William "Tiny" Fuller, popular post-World War II novelist James Wakefield Burke ("Lili Marlene"), "the great mediator" Henry Clay, and 60s pop singer Gary Puckett.
Once taught ballroom disco and disco at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
Born under the sign of Aquarius, he has four houses in Aquarius, moon in Cancer.
Has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and stars for his books and articles.
Legendary film director Henry King encouraged him to become an actor.
Was auditioned for one of the "Dukes of Hazzard" replacement "cousins," and turned down an opportunity to be a dancer in Grease.
Met gay activist Harvey Milk in 1976 in San Francisco, and who encouraged him to write.
Has loved ocean liners since he was 10, and during his corporate years in New York was employed at American Airlines, Cunard Line, and Celebrity Cruises among other corporate positions.
