On this day in comedy in 1958, Sound Effects Comedian, Michael Winslow was born in Spokane, Washington.
Billed as the “Man of 10,000 Sound Effects”, Michael Winslow’s skill is reproducing realistic sounds with his voice. This talent was developed at the Lisa Maile School of Acting, Modeling and Imaging. As a military brat he had few human friends, but plenty of noises to keep him company. Winslow would while away the hours imitating barnyard critters, motors, weather sounds, musical instruments, jungle beasts, record players, artillery, household appliances and all other forms of racket. A no-brainer, Winslow scraped together enough money performing in night clubs to move to Hollywood.
Winslow’s big break came on the Gong Show where he mystified the audience. His first film (he did over 40) was Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie, but it was in the Police Academy films and television show that he gained fame playing Sgt. Larvelle “Motor Mouth” Jones. He dropped the album “I Am My Own Walkman” and was featured in the Mel Brook’s parody to Star Wars, Spaceballs. In the Brooks film, Winslow did all the sound effects; saving the film money. He hosted a film appreciation series for television, did commercials and toured as a motivational speaker.
Michael Winslow is foremost an innovator. Besides being a world renowned stand-up performer, he created Apps based on his sound effects. His iPhone and iPad Touch has ThatsKungFu which gives Winslow’s kung fu effects when swung. NoizeyMan is just what it sounds like; Winslow with a slew of sounds he created– noisy ones. He developed a mobile game for iOS and provided all the sound effects for the game and has been known to anonymously lend out his voice for other projects.
By Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton
