Michael was born September 6, 1958 and is the youngest of six brothers. His mom tells stories about when he was young he would imitate the airplane noises, jet engines, basically anything that made a sound he copied with sounds that came out of his mouth…there was never a dull moment!
“Growing up in the Air Force Base made it difficult to have friends, so I created imaginary friends, dogs, cats, trucks, anything that would keep me occupied for the moment” says Michael.
After graduated High School and a short-lived college, he had his first professional performance at a club/theatre in Boulder, Colorado named Tulagi’s. This was very exciting for him because Jimmy Hendrix, The Doors, Tommy Bolin and other famous bands played there. He opened and act for a group called “Nova” and Italian Rock Fusion Band, He heard through the grapevine that this group were fans of Jimmy Hendrix, so why not portray him??. He had lots of props including his mother’s Afro wig. He was so nervous, but the audience was flabbergasted with his rendition of “Purple Haze”………the ovation and the applause from the audience was overwhelming………..from that moment on he knew his calling………he wanted to be an entertainer!!!
In 1984 when he finally got his big chance. Director Hugh Wilson and producer Paul Manslanski came to see him perform at Long Beach Theatre 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 I through VII” As soon as this movie came out and it became an instant success so did Michael! His celebrity status was in place. He then went to play a part in Mel Brooks “Spaceballs”. This film helped in furthering his spotlight as a unique comedian. A man with a special talent that made “families” laugh. 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 cant miss him on those great “Geico” commercials. And in the spring of 2008 he will grace the red carpet premiere of National Lampoons 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 Jimmy 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!
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