Michael Winslow

Michael Leslie Winslow (born September 6, 1958) is an American actor, comedian, and beatboxer 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 Larvell Jones. He has also appeared in: Spaceballs, Cheech and Chong's Next Movie, Nice Dreams, The Love Boat, and commercials for Cadbury and GEICO.

Early life Winslow was born in Spokane, Washington, the son of Verdie and Robert Winslow. He grew up at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, and later attended the Lisa Maile School of Acting, Modeling and Imaging.

According to his own account, Winslow had few friends growing up. To pass time, he would imitate the sounds of engines, animals, flatulence, or anything that made noise. Following high school and college, he performed in nightclubs and theaters, where his sound imitation skills won him positive appraisal and enough money to move to and perform his act in Hollywood.

Career His first television appearance was on The Gong Show, in which he squeezed in sound-alikes of Benji the movie dog, Star Trek, as a character named Lee on The White Shadow, and Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze". He is best known for his role as Larvell Jones in the Police Academy series of movies and TV shows. He was cast in the role after he was seen opening for Count Basie. In 1985, Island Records released a 12-inch (30.5-cm) disc of Michael Winslow entitled "I Am My Own Walkman". The recording peaked at number 60 in Australia.

In 1986, Winslow presented the Best Sound Effects Editing Oscar to Charles L. Campbell and Robert Rutledge for their work on Back to the Future. During 1986, he played the role of Spencer, the assistant cruise director on the ninth and final season of The Love Boat.

In 1987, Winslow appeared as a radar operator in the movie Spaceballs, in which he performs all the sound effects himself during one scene. Mel Brooks (who wrote, directed, produced and co-starred in the film) stated that, by doing so, Winslow saved the film money. Winslow is also a motivational speaker. Since the fall of 2008, Winslow has hosted a motion-picture television series called Way Back Wednesday with Winslow on the cable superstation WGN America, which features movies mostly released in the 1980s. He continues to perform stand-up comedy around the globe.

Michael Winslow debuted his own iPhone and iPod Touch applications 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 Winslow.

In 2011, Winslow worked with Orlando, Florida-based game development studio Phyken Media 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.

He was also featured in a commercial for GEICO Insurance during their "we hired a celebrity" advertising campaign.

In 2020, Winslow guest-starred on the Dropout.tv show Game Changer as a substitute for Zac Oyama. He won episode 10 of season three, which aired on January 22, 2021.

In 2021, Winslow auditioned for the 16th season of America's Got Talent. Following the airing of his audition, he had a guest appearance on the Talent Recap Show where he showed viewers how to make some of his most signature noises. Winslow was eliminated during the semifinals.

In 2022, Winslow was heavily featured in a videogamedunkey YouTube video entitled "Video Game Sound".

Michael Winslow contributed voice-over, music, and sound effects to the animated short "Fleetwood Mac & Cheese," which was animated by Brandon Kosters, Matthew Maxwell, and Rob Steinberg. The short was released in 2025. Alphabet City Lippy Gremlins Mogwai / Gremlins (voice) Grandview, U.S.A. Spencer

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Officer Larvell Jones Starchaser: The Legend of Orin Voice 1986 Police Academy 3: Back in Training Sgt. Larvell Jones

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol Sgt. Larvell Jones Spaceballs Radar Technician Walker

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach Sgt. Larvell Jones Starke Zeiten Mike Buy & Cell Sly Ronny

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege Sgt. Larvell Jones Think Big Hap

New Kids on the Block Voice Far Out Man Airport Cop Going Under Reporter 1993 Extralarge Dumas 1994 Police Academy: Mission to Moscow Sgt. Larvell Jones 1995 Be Cool about Fire Safety Himself 1997–98 Police Academy: The Series Sgt. Larvell Jones

Lycanthrope Lee Davis Michael Winslow Live Himself The Blur of Insanity Horner's Friend 2 2000 He Outta Be Committed Jeremy 2001 The Trumpet of the Swan Chief (voice) 2002 The Biggest Fan Officer Man 2004 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Pedestrian (voice) 2005 Lenny the Wonder Dog John Wyndham 2006 Robot Chicken Sgt. Larvell Jones

The Great Buck Howard Himself Redirecting Eddie Vaughn 2009 RoboDoc Dr. Murphy

The History of the Typewriter recited by Michael Winslow

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Blunt Movie Coach Al Jefferson Gingerclown Stomachcrumble Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Himself

Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! Brian Jonesy Jones Lavalantula Marty The Jack and Triumph Show Himself

Enter the Fist and the Golden Fleece The Argonaut Characterz Police Detective 2 Lava 2 Lantula Marty Renaissance Man Mike Hospital Arrest Judge Collaway 2017 Killing Hasselhoff

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