Michael Buffer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Buffer
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Buffer in 2007
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| Born | November 2, 1944 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Occupation | Ring announcer, actor |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Known for | "Let's get ready to rumble!" catchphrase |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Bruce Buffer (half-brother) |
Michael Buffer (born November 2, 1944) is a famous American ring announcer. You might have heard his voice at big boxing, professional wrestling, or even National Football League games. He is best known for his exciting and unique way of introducing athletes.
Buffer is most famous for his catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!" This phrase became so popular that he trademarked it, meaning only he has the right to use it for business. His special announcing style and famous catchphrase made him a star, and in 2019, he was added to the International Sports Hall of Fame.
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Early Life and Starting Out
Michael Buffer was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When he was a baby, his parents separated, and he was raised by foster parents. As a young man, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the army, Buffer tried several jobs, including being a car salesman and a model. He didn't become a ring announcer until he was 38 years old, which shows it's never too late to find what you love to do.
A Famous Career
The Voice of Boxing
Buffer started his career as a ring announcer in 1982. By the next year, he was announcing all the boxing matches for a major company on ESPN. This made him well-known across the country.
In 1984, he first used the catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!" The crowd loved it, and it quickly became his signature. He officially trademarked the phrase in 1992. This was a smart move, as he has earned over $400 million from licensing it for video games, songs, and commercials.
Many famous people in boxing admired his work. Even the famous boxer Sugar Ray Leonard told Buffer, "When you introduce a fighter, it makes him want to fight." By the late 1980s, he was the main announcer for all fights in casinos owned by Donald Trump.
Wrestling and Other Sports
Buffer also became the main ring announcer for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) until it closed in 2001. He introduced famous wrestlers like Hulk Hogan. His voice brought a lot of excitement to the main events.
After WCW, he announced for other wrestling events. In 2008, he was a special guest announcer for the Royal Rumble match, a huge event in professional wrestling.
His voice isn't just for fighting sports. Buffer has announced at the MLB World Series, the Stanley Cup Finals for hockey, NBA Finals for basketball, and NFL playoff games. He has even announced at major car races like the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 2017 United States Grand Prix.
Movies and Television
Because he is so famous, Michael Buffer has appeared in many movies and TV shows, often playing himself. He was in movies like Rocky Balboa and Creed, which are all about boxing. He also had a role in the comedy You Don't Mess with the Zohan and was a ringmaster in the 2019 movie Dumbo.
Buffer's voice has been used in animated shows like The Simpsons, South Park, and Phineas and Ferb. He has also been a guest on many talk shows, sharing his story with hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman.
The Famous Catchphrase
Buffer's catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!", is one of the most recognized phrases in sports. He started using it in 1984 and got a federal trademark for it in 1992.
This means he can license the phrase to be used in other products. It has been featured in:
- The popular album Jock Jams
- Video games like Ready 2 Rumble Boxing
- Commercials for companies like Kraft Cheese ("Let's get ready to Crumble!") and Progressive Insurance ("Let's get ready to bundle!")
By 2009, the catchphrase had earned $400 million in revenue.
Personal Life
Buffer's fame helped him connect with family members he never knew. In 1989, his birth father saw him on TV and contacted him. This is how he met his half-brothers, including Bruce Buffer. Bruce later became his manager, and they worked together as business partners. Today, Bruce Buffer is the announcer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Michael Buffer has two sons from his first marriage. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Christine. In 2008, he successfully recovered from throat cancer.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Buffer para niños
