Biographie
Comic, actor, writer, voice artist and producer Michael Airington has been creating and inhabiting a multitude of memorable characters and voices since he was a young boy. He has the unique ability to evoke beloved stars of the past, while always keeping it fresh and relevant. His versatility, quick wit and talent take center stage in any production.
Airington began his career as a teen performing in clubs around the country as the opening act for country singer Mel Tillis, and later opened for Brenda Lee, Tony Martin, John Denver, Jackie Vernon and the legendary Rosemary Clooney. Other stage work includes his successful revue Michael and the Maids, which included impressions, stand-up and songs.
In 2004, Airington began performing in character as legendary comedian Paul Lynde, with several sold-out and critically-acclaimed one-man shows in Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. The inimitable "master of the slow burn," Lynde is best remembered as one of America's most honored comedians, and was one of the most sought after popular stars on network TV during the '60s and '70s. Best known as the center square on The Hollywood Squares for 13 years, as well as starring in the Broadway and film versions of Bye Bye Birdie and as Uncle Arthur in Bewitched, Lynde's witty, wisecracking one-liners and novel line delivery made him one of Hollywood's funniest and best loved entertainers.
Throughout the years, many of Lynde's friends have helped Airington perfect the character, including Peter Marshall, Cloris Leachman, Kaye Ballard, Karen Valentine, Jan Forbes and the late Andy Williams. Additionally, the show is produced with the full approval and cooperation of the estate of Paul Lynde. Airington recently announced the legendary comedian will be brought back to life on the Las Vegas Strip in a one-man show, The Paul Lynde Show at Bally's Las Vegas.
Airington is also known for his TV and voiceover work, including a guest role for two seasons on The Suite Life on Deck (Disney Channel), and roles on Archie Bunker's Place (CBS), One Day at a Time (CBS) and The Jeffersons (CBS). Other projects include a recent dramatic, starring role in an indie film Hollywood, Je'taime, an ABC pilot with Mel Tillis, a recurring role on General Hospital (ABC) and as a spokesperson for Mattel Toys.
Some of Airington's greatest triumphs have occurred as his alter ego "Ester Goldberg," a beloved character with a large and growing loyal online fanbase. Airington has performed as Ester fox XX years, including XX years of popular cabaret performances in Washington D.C., as well as in the main room at the world famous Comedy Store on LA's Sunset Strip, among others. Ester has also served as the official spokesperson of Zannel.com at the Sundance Film Festival, interviewing celebrities who loved to schmooze with the fabulous, fun-loving Ester. Airington then moved his alter-ego over to a successful podcast on Blogtalk Radio followed by Koldcast TV (an internet TV network) for "the Showbiz Schmooze," a gossip-style format where Ester added her own unique spin about celebrities and the Hollywood scene. Perhaps most notably, many fans recall Ester from her hysterical and informative 67 episodes of The Weekly Wrap.
