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| Date: | 2014-07-27 |
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| Article Title: | Michael Winslow, "Man of 10,000 Sound Effects, to Appear at Zanies July 31-August 3 |
| Article: | Michael Winslow, "Man of 10,000 Sound Effects, will open at Zanies from August 31 through August 3. Since becoming a comedic phenom in the mid 1980s, he has since gon on to build his career in a number of arenas. An American actor, beatboxer and comedian billed as the "Man of 10,000 Sound Effects” for his ability to make realistic sounds using only his voice, he is best known for his roles in all seven Police Academy films as Larvelle Jones. He has also appeared in Spaceballs and a Cadbury commercial. Born on September 6, on Fairchild Air force Base, he was the youngest of six brothers. However, growing up in a military family made it difficult to have friends so he created imaginary friends, dogs, cats, trucks- anything that would keep him occupied for the moment, After graduating high school and a short-lived college experience, he had his first professional performance at a club/theater in Boulder, Colorado named Tulagi’s where greats like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Tommy Bolin and other famous bands had performed. He felt that entertainment was his calling so he packed his bags and hitchhiked to Venice Beach where he would be homeless for a short time. He later auditioned for the “Gong Show” hosted by the infamous Chuck Barris and he won a whopping $516.32 that finally got him out of homelessness and allowed him to by a vehicle that took him to Los Angeles to all the local comedy clubs. Soon he got a gig with the famous EVENING AT THE IMPROV (now known as the Comedy Improve Clubs). In 1984, Director Hugh Wilson and producer Paul Manslanski came to see him perform at Long Beach Theater where he was opening for the incomparable Count Basie & his Orquestra. Needless to say, Wilson and Manslanski were blown away! They immediately wrote him into the script of the unforgettable “Police Academy” franchises. As soon as the first movie came out and it became an instant success so did Michael. He then went on to play a part in Mel Brooks’ “Spaceballs.” This film helped in furthering his spotlight as a unique comedian. Michael was also heard, but not seen, when he gave the voice to Stripe, the evil little creature, in another Hit Movie “Gremlins”. He also did voice-overs for Disney and Universal Studios in such rides as “Back to the Future and Terminator” Currently you can also hear him in the Television Hits “Robo Chicken and Family Guy” You can't miss him on those great “Geico” commercials. And in the spring of 2008 he will grace the red carpet premiere of National Lampoon's Robo Doc. Michael, a master of vocal gymnastics, can imitate over 1000 sound effects using his voice alone. Whether he is recreating the frenzy of Jimi Hendrix playing the guitar, or the roar of a jet plane, his talent is truly remarkable and his versatility admirable and enjoyable for all ages. To get additional information on tickets and show times, visit www.nashville.zanies.com. |
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