Michele Besso is a recurring character on the first season of Genius. He was a Swiss engineer and best friend of Albert Einstein.
He is portrayed by Seth Gabel.
Biography[]
1896[]
At Zurich Polytechnic, Michele is taking his physics class instructed by Professor Weber. He watches as classmate Mileva Marić questions Weber on the properties of energy and thermodynamics, and other classmate Albert Einstein agrees with her, even going on to create an example with Michele's pencils. He later watches as Albert is quieted by Weber, who informs him that theatrics have no place at Zurich Polytechnic.
Later outside the University, Michele and his friend Marcel Grossmann approach Albert and tell him that they were impressed by his demonstration in class. The two invite Albert to lunch, and a friendship emerges.
1897[]
At the Winteler household in Aarau, Switzerland, the family are celebtrating Marie's birthday and Michele, Albert, and Alberts sister Maja have joined in and have dinner with the family. Michele listens as family patriarch Jost celebrates Albert and his sister for being so close to family and Michele for being over, hoping for him to come to more dinners in the future.
Upon leaving the Winteler house, Michele says his goodbyes to the family, especially Anna, who hopes to see him again.
Michele muses over Anna and tells Marcel of there being abother Winteler sister, though the latter has no interest in a wife at the moment. Then, Michele and Marcel ask Albert about his relationship with Marie, wanting details. Albert answers by saying that he sees no point in being in a relationship with a girl who can't carry on a scientific coversation.
After the summer holiday has ended, Albert, Michele, and Marcel prepare for their psychics class. Albert notices that Mileva is absent and wonders where she is, to Michele and Marcel's annoyance.
1899[]
Albert congragulates Michele on his engagement with Anna Winteler. Michele also tells Albert to finally go forward and tell Marie his true feelings, however, before Albert could give a proper answer, he notices a returned Mileva Marić and chases after her.
During a class with Weber, Michele and Marcel wonder where Albert is, when in actuality he is with Mileva.
After sitting through a class instructed by Professor Minkowski, Michele approaches a saddened Mileva and asks her if she is okay. She says she is fine and leaves.