Comedian, actor, and voice actor Michael Winslow will be touring with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) this spring. The tour is part of AFE’s annual Heat Wave summer concert series and will feature six shows across Europe from June 29 – July 11, 2024.
Winslow’s first professional performance was at Tulaigi, a club and theatre in Boulder, Colorado, famous for hosting famous acts like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Tommy Bolin. After receiving a standing ovation for his vocal portrayal of Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” he knew he had found his calling as an entertainer.
After moving to Venice Beach, Winslow auditioned to be a contestant on the “Gong Show” hosted by Chuck Barris. His winnings from the show eventually allowed him to move to Los Angeles, where he performed at local comedy clubs, eventually earning a spot in the famous “An Evening at the Improv” with the support of Budd Friedman.
In 1984, director Hugh Wilson and producer Paul Manslanski came to see Winslow perform at the Long Beach Theater, where he was opening for Count Basie & His Orchestra. After seeing Winslow’s impressive performance, they wrote him into the script of “Police Academy;” he went on to star in all seven movies in the franchise.
He went on to play a part in Mel Brooks’ movie “Spaceballs,” which cemented his status as a unique comedian—an artist with a special talent for making entire families laugh. He was also cast as a voice actor in the iconic hit movie “Gremlins,” where he gave his voice to Stripe, the evil leader of the gremlins.
Winslow has provided voiceovers for rides at Disney and Universal Studios, including “Back to the Future” and “Terminator.” His voice was also featured in popular TV shows, like “Robot Chicken” and “Family Guy,” as well as in commercials for Geico.
A master of vocal gymnastics, Winslow can imitate over 1,000 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 remarkable, and his versatility is admirable and enjoyable for all ages.
AFE has been committed to boosting the morale and well-being of service members and their families stationed overseas through world-class live events and performances since 1951.
