Michael Wallis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Wallis
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Wallis in 2008
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| Born | October 7, 1945 |
| Education | Western Military Academy |
| Alma mater | University of Missouri |
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| Years active | 1965–present |
| Spouse(s) | Suzanne Fitzgerald Wallis |
Michael Wallis, born on October 7, 1945, is an American writer, historian, and speaker. He is well-known for writing many books, especially Route 66: The Mother Road, which is about the famous U.S. Route 66 highway. His articles have also appeared in popular magazines and newspapers like Time and The New York Times. You might also know his voice as Sheriff in the Disney/Pixar Cars movies!
Contents
Michael Wallis: A Voice and a Storyteller
Michael Wallis has a special talent for telling stories. He has written 17 books. These books often explore American history and culture. His work helps people learn about important places and events in a fun way.
Honors and Special Recognitions
Michael Wallis has received many awards for his writing and historical work. These awards show how much people appreciate his contributions.
- He won the John Steinbeck Award. This award honors writers who show a strong sense of social justice.
- He also received the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates his long career as a writer.
- The Will Rogers Spirit Award and the Western Heritage Award are also among his honors. These awards recognize his work on Western American history.
- Wallis has been added to several Halls of Fame. These include the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.
- He was the very first person to be inducted into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. This shows his deep connection to the historic highway.
His Famous Voice Role: Sheriff in Cars
One of Michael Wallis's most famous roles is providing the voice for Sheriff in the Disney·Pixar Cars movies. Sheriff is a wise and respected police car in Radiator Springs. He helps keep the town safe and is a good friend to Lightning McQueen.
Michael Wallis's Life Journey
Michael Wallis was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to Western Military Academy in Illinois. Later, he studied at the University of Missouri.
Early Career and Moving Around
In 1978, Michael Wallis moved to Miami, Florida. There, he worked for Time magazine's Caribbean Bureau. This job allowed him to travel and write about different places.
Life in Oklahoma
Today, Michael Wallis lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He shares his home with his wife, Suzanne Fitzgerald Wallis. He continues to write and share his knowledge of American history.
Michael Wallis in Movies, TV, and Games
Michael Wallis has lent his voice and expertise to many projects beyond his books. He has been part of documentaries, animated films, TV shows, and even video games.
Movies Featuring Michael Wallis
- American Traditions: A Journey Down Route 66 (1994): He was the host and guide in this documentary about Route 66.
- Cars (2006): He voiced Sheriff in this popular animated movie.
- Mater and the Ghostlight (2006): He returned as Sheriff in this short video.
- Cars 2 (2011): He continued his role as Sheriff in the sequel.
- Voices of History (2014): He was the narrator for this short film.
- Cars 3 (2017): He voiced Sheriff again in the third Cars movie.
Television Appearances
- Cars Toons (2008-2013): He voiced Sheriff in two episodes of this animated series.
- Cruisin' Route 66 with Michael Wallis (Season 1): This show featured updates from his 1994 documentary about Route 66.
Video Games with His Voice
- Cars (2006): He voiced Sheriff in the video game based on the movie.
- Cars Mater-National Championship (2007): He was Sheriff in this racing game.
- Cars Race-O-Rama (2009): He voiced Sheriff in another Cars game.
- Cars 2: The Video Game (2011): He returned as Sheriff for the Cars 2 game.
- Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure (2012): He voiced Sheriff in this adventure game.
Theme Park Attractions
- Radiator Springs Racers (2012): You can hear his voice as Sheriff in this fun ride at Disney California Adventure Park.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Wallis para niños
