logo

Remember Eddie Gelfe from "Salute Your Shorts"? He's 43 now and looks completely unrecognizable

Claudine Varela
May 02, 2018
09:19 P.M.

Find out what Michael Bower has been up to and learn more about his relationship with the King of Pop in this detailed account on his life before and after 'Salute Your Shorts.'

Advertisement

He rose to fame as Eddie “Donkey Lips” Gelfen on Nickelodeon’s ‘Salute Your Shorts’ and many now wonder whatever happened to Michael Bower since the short lived show wrapped in 1992 after a year. Stanton Daily did some research and here’s what it uncovered.

Following his memorable stint as Donkey Lips, the 40-year-old actor who now looks unrecognizable, was apparently still very much in the industry appearing in films like ‘The Willies’ and ‘High School High’ and taking on minor roles in ‘Dude, Where’s My Car?’, ‘Evolution and ‘Wishcraft’. However, in 2005, he took a break from the movies and focused on lending his voice to video games. He debuted in 2006 as the Commercial Voice in ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories’ and later as Mr. Buckingham in ‘Bully’. Other video games he eventually voiced were ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’, ‘Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony’, ‘Halo 3: ODST, ‘Red Dead Redemption’ and ‘Star Wars: The Old Republic.’

Advertisement

Though he never gained as much fame later as he did in the 90’s, Bower kept himself busy working on online projects, one of which was his role as a technician in Amazon’s ‘Cocked’ in 2015. He also has his own YouTube channel, ‘Hey Bower’, where he entertains viewers’ questions every other Saturday. However, as much as the channel gave him a means to connect with his viewers, it also produced a disappointing return of investment. The site reportedly earned a total of $30 throughout its run.

Source: Getty Images / Global Images of Ukraine

Source: Getty Images / Global Images of Ukraine

Meanwhile, Bower kept his viewers entertained especially when frequently asked about his relationship with Michael Jackson. It’s no secret that his very first film was in the King of Pop’s ‘Moonwalker’ when he was only 13 years old. Recalling how he was cast, he said he was performing for his elementary school glee club in front of President Ronald Regan when Quincy Jones’ producer as well as Jackson’s team got wind of the press their performance got. This also led to a series of proposals from talent agencies offering him jobs.

Advertisement

Not one to turn down the offers, he was soon appearing in shows left and right. But it was his stint with the ‘Thriller’ star that stuck specially after the late singer sought him out years later while he was working at a comic book store at Universal Citywalk. When Jackson heard that Bower was employed there, he allegedly had the whole store closed in order to visit his former co-star. And this, according to Bower became “one of the most amazing moments” in his career and entire life.

Apart from Jackson, Bower revealed he’s always kept a special place in his heart for Fred Savage. The pair who met during Bower’s three-episode appearance on ‘The Wonder Years’ remain close to this day, sharing the same passion for football cards.

Source: Getty Images / Global Images of Ukraine

Source: Getty Images / Global Images of Ukraine

Advertisement

Now more than two decades since the height of his career, Bower looks back at that time with fond memories. Recalling it as merely a job back then, he later learned to appreciate it like a family he loves and misses now that they’re no longer there.

In 2015, the cast of ‘Salute Your Shorts’ reunited in Portland and Bower even sang the show’s theme song for TMZ to the delight of his 90’s fans.

So what’s next for Bower? The former child star reveals he has upcoming projects lined up and is looking at partnering with Savage to direct them. That’s definitely something fans can look forward to.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares What His Grandchildren Is too 'Spoiled' to Help with When Visiting

February 01, 2024

Michael Jackson's Dad Once Spoke about the Singer's Alleged 4th Child – Meet the Grown-up Boy Who Was Michael's Copy

February 02, 2024

Usher Will Not Be Paid for His Super Bowl Performance — Why Users Agree with This

February 13, 2024

Michael Jackson's Mother in Court against His Son — Who Pays the Bills?

March 25, 2024

Michael Jackson’s 3 Children Make Rare Public Appearance Together — Who Resembles Dad the Most?

March 29, 2024

Michael Jackson’s Mother, 93, Responds with Accusations after Getting Sued by Grandson She Raised

March 27, 2024

What Happened to Mom of 2 of Michael Jackson's Children Who Fought for Them after His Death?

April 03, 2024

This Child Star Lost His House & Left Hollywood — At 42, He Changed Iconic Red Hair for Bold Haircut & Beard

May 20, 2024

This Man Stood in for His Famous Actress Wife When She Got Her Citizenship - After Marrying Him She Intentionally Kept a Low Profile

February 26, 2024

King Charles 'Denied' Taking a Photo with Son Prince Harry for a Reason, Royal Biographer Explains

May 10, 2024

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 20, 2024

Why Michael Jackson Wore a White Glove on His Right Hand – Pics Where We Saw His Bare Arm

February 23, 2024

How 5 Beloved Celebrities Would Look without Plastic Surgery — Photos via AI

March 13, 2024

Michael Jackson’s Nephew Looks Like His 'Perfect Recreation' in a New Photo

February 14, 2024