Michael Winslow made one of his most memorable and early appearances on the silver screen with everbody’s favorite stoner duo of the era, Cheech and Chong (who taught me that sunglasses offer more than just protection from UV rays – nudge nudge, wink wink) – in their follow-up to their seminal work, “Up in Smoke”. Michael Winslow’s memorable scene as a deadbeat at the welfare office will definitely ring a bell for people who followed this series (if they haven’t fried too many brain cells on pot yet) – and remember it as one of the film’s highlights.
Cheech and Chong sure do love them some Michael Winslow – so much so that he appeared on the sequel to “Next Movie”, which was “Nice Dreams”. Guess what character he played? He played the ghost of Jimi Hendrix in a rendition of “Purple Haze”, accompanying only himself on vocals and a broomstick, surrounded in a smoky room flanked by midgets. I cannot make this up.
The whole Police Academy series, from its first installment to its very last, was where Michael Winslow really made his mark as an actor, and as a bonafide superstar playing the role of Sgt. Larvelle Jones in all 7 Police Academy films. Winslow was able to show just how talented and how far he could push his unique skill on the big screen, which parlayed into further film roles as on-screen talent, or as voiceover talent. This is where it really picked up for Michael Winslow, we’ll tell you that much!
Every 80s kid will remember Gremlins as one of the definitive films for children and adolescents the world over, from New York to Manila – and perhaps much less so, for Michael Winslow’s voiceovers of many of the Gremlins and their noises.
Another big-money flick Michael Winslow appeared in the 80s was Spaceballs, working with talents like John Candy, Bill Pullman, and Rick Moranis – and which turned out to be one of Mel Brooks’ most popular films.
If you are looking for something to do on your day off, why not watch some of Michael Winslow’s movies? After preparing some delicious and healthy snacks using a blender that shakes those foods and vegetables to your liking, take a seat in front of your television and have fun with the following Winslow films:
Made up of seven films, the Police Academy movie franchise is Michael Winslow’s most popular work. The first one, titled “Police Academy,” was released in 1984, followed by “Their First Assignment” in 1985, “Back in Training” in 1986, “Citizens on Patrol” in 1987, “Assignment Miami Beach” in 1988, “City Under Siege” in 1989, and “Mission to Moscow” in 1994.
Michael Winslow appeared in all installments, playing the character called Larvell Jones, who is a police officer and among the main protagonists. He was able to make good use of his vocal prowess, as the movie creators added this talent of his to Jones’ skill set. His character is best remembered for being able for his beatboxing, his ability to copy different kinds of sounds, including gunfire, a flat tire, a martial artist, video game sounds, and more.
Released in 1987, Spaceballs is a sci-fi film produced, co-written, and directed by Mel Brooks, who also appeared in it (as Yogurt and President Skroob), alongside Bill Pullman (as Captain Lone Starr), Rich Moranis (as Lord Dark Helmet), John Candy (as Barf/Bartholomew), Dick Van Patten (as King Roland), and Daphne Zuniga (as Princess Vespa).
Winslow, who was born on September 6, 1958 in Spokane, Washington, played the role of the Radar Operator, who was in charge of the radar and could imitate realistic sounds using his own voice.
Directed by Canadian-American filmmaker Tommy Chong, Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie was released by Universal Studios in 1980. It follows the adventures of Cheech & Chong, who are out to siphon gas to a car they borrowed from their neighbor. The two main characters are played by Cheech Marin (as Cheech) and Tommy Chong (as Chong). Other cast members include Paul Reubens (as Pee-wee Herman), Evelyn Guerrero (as Donna), Sy Kramer (as Mr. Neatnik), Betty Kennedy (as Candy), and Rikki Marin (as Gloria). Winslow was cast for the role of Welfare Comedian.
The third installment in the Sharknado franchise, Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! is a comedy-disaster movie that featured Ian Ziering (as Fin Shephard), Tara Reid (as April Shepard), Bo Derek (as May Wexler), Cassie Scerbo (as Nove Clarke), Frankie Muniz (as Lucas Stevens), Mark McGrath (as Martin Brody), and Mark Cuban (as President Marcus Robbins). Winslow played Brian “Jonesy” Jones.
Michael Winslow debuted his own iPhone and iPod Touch apps in 2010, bringing his sound effects and comedy to a mobile platform. ThatsKungFu generates Winslow’s kung fu fighting sounds when the device is swung in a fighting motion. NoizeyMan, billed as the “World’s Noiziest App”, contains video, ringtones, sound effects, and mini games, all created by Michael Winslow.
In 2011 Michael worked with Orlando, Florida based game development studio Phyken Media[6] on a mobile game for iOS and Android platforms entitled Wizard Ops Chapter 1, providing all the sound effects for the game. He also lent his voice on Wizard Ops Tactics, a turn based tactical game and spiritual successor to the previous game.
Michael Winslow was also featured in a commercial for Geico Insurance during their “we hired a celebrity” ad campaign.
