In the present study, a new anchor design was proposed to minimize the initial deflection of micro multi-layer cantilever beam with step-up structure, which is a key component of thin film micro-mirror array. It is important to minimize the initial deflection, caused by residual stress, because it reduces the performance of the actuation. Theoretical and experimental studies were conducted to examine the cause of the initial bending deflection. It was found that the bending deflection at the anchor of the cantilever beam was the primary source of initial deflection. Various anchor designs were proposed and the initial deflections for each design were calculated by finite element analysis. The analysis results were compared with experiments. To reduce the initial deflection a secondary support was added to the conventional structure. The optimal shapes were obtained by simulation and experiment. It was found from the analysis that the ratio or horizontal and vertical dimensions of secondary support was the governing factor, which affected the initial deflection.