Michael was born in Watford, Hertfordshire to an English mother and Peruvian father. He was well educated at a Folkestone private school and Eton College, then served as an intelligence officer in the RAF during World War Two.

On leaving the service he became a comedian and script-writer and was the first of the Goons to make it into London's West End.

Michael was a founder member of the Goon Show, but left after the second series before the show reached the peak of success. He went on to perform and write many TV/radio shows, books and much more.

In 1995 Bentine received a CBE for Services to Entertainment. He was married once and had two children (Richard and Serena) with his wife Clementina.