Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wheels Parise.
Hi Michael Wheels, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Michael “Wheels” Parise is a powerhouse of reinvention, resilience, and realness. With over 37 years in the entertainment industry, he built his legacy as a nationally touring stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcast host, celebrity chef, ordained minister, and entrepreneur. From the stages of Las Vegas to the kitchens of Italian-American eateries, and now to the heart of Tennessee, Michael continues to evolve without ever losing his edge.
A native of Long Island, New York, Michael’s journey began as a hungry young comic who told his mother at eight years old he would one day become a comedian—and never looked back. He rose to national fame alongside Andrew Dice Clay, touring the country and co-hosting the hit podcast Rollin’ with Dice and Wheels, which climbed to the top of the comedy charts. His Las Vegas residency and countless TV and film appearances solidified him as one of the industry’s go-to names for bold, unapologetic humor.
But Michael Parise is more than just a comic. He’s a creator, mentor, and a man of faith and hustle. After decades of headlining, he pivoted into the food industry—launching Cannoli Kings catering in Los Angeles, opening Parise’s New American Bistro in North Carolina, running a celebrity-favorite coffee and cannoli bar in Florida, and operating a catering company while performing six nights a week in Vegas. Each venture was fueled by the same grit, creativity, and street-smart business savvy that made him a success on stage.
In 2022, after weathering hurricanes and witnessing economic changes in Florida, Michael and his wife Sherilene made a bold move to Franklin, Tennessee—a decision sparked by a gut feeling during their 20th wedding anniversary trip to Nashville. That spark ignited a new chapter.
Today, Michael runs Century Artists Group, a Nashville-based talent management and media company dedicated to developing comedians, actors, podcasters, and creators nationwide. He’s also the founder of Legally Yours, a full-service wedding officiant and notary company delivering spiritual, comedic, and traditional ceremonies throughout Middle Tennessee.
Michael’s newest passion project is his motivational speaking series, How Not to Bomb—In Life or On Stage, which teaches confidence, crowd control, and self-reinvention to performers, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to level up.
Married over two decades and a proud father, Michael now splits his time between Tennessee and Florida. He remains deeply connected to every community he’s served, and his story continues to inspire others to build bold lives on their own terms.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
🔥 1. Losing His Father at Age 7
Michael’s life changed forever when his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise him on her own. Growing up without a male role model forced him to become resilient early—and helped shape his raw, honest style of comedy rooted in real-life struggle and love for family.
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🎤 Breaking into Stand-Up in New York
Trying to make it as a young comic in the brutally competitive NYC scene was no joke. With nothing but a dream, a hustler’s mindset, and a few minutes of material, Michael hit the clubs hard, eventually catching the attention of Andrew Dice Clay—who became both a partner and a lifelong friend.
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🎭 Typecasting and Industry Labels
As a bold, Italian-American comic known for his edge, Wheels faced typecasting and resistance from the industry. He was often told he was “too loud,” “too real,” or “too raw.” Instead of changing who he was, he doubled down and built his own lane—turning being underestimated into his superpower.
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💥 The Highs and Lows of Touring Life
Life on the road may sound glamorous, but behind the laughs were grueling hours, unstable income, and the mental toll of performing night after night. Michael battled burnout more than once—but always came back swinging, often reinventing himself when others would’ve walked away.
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🍝 Failures in the Food Business
Not every business venture hit. Some restaurants folded. Some food trucks stalled. Some ideas got copied or killed by rent hikes and economic swings. But every loss was a lesson, and every setback added flavor to the next dish—or the next deal.
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🎲 The Vegas Grind
Performing six nights a week at the Rio Hotel & Casino was a dream—but it was also a grind. While other comics fizzled, Wheels kept packing rooms. But the Vegas machine isn’t built for longevity unless you’re constantly evolving. That pressure pushed him to expand beyond comedy into catering and business.
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🌪️ Hurricanes & Hard Decisions
After building a successful coffee and cannoli empire in Venice, Florida, the destruction of multiple hurricanes and a shifting economy forced Michael to make a painful call: sell the house, shut down the shop, and start again. Instead of quitting, he packed up and moved to Tennessee to build something new from scratch.
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🌀 Reinvention at 60
Most people think about slowing down. Not Wheels. Nearing 60, he launched Legally Yours, Century Artists Group, and his How Not to Bomb seminar series. But reinventing yourself later in life means battling doubt, ageism, and having to prove yourself all over again—and he’s doing just that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Legally Yours and Century Artists Group are two sides of the same powerhouse—both built by Michael “Wheels” Parise to serve, entertain, and elevate.
Legally Yours is a full-service mobile notary and wedding officiant company based in Middle Tennessee, offering everything from spiritual and legal ceremonies to comedy-infused and fully customized wedding experiences. Whether you need something sacred, simple, or hilarious—Legally Yours makes it official, personal, and unforgettable.
Century Artists Group is a Nashville-based talent management and media development firm representing comedians, actors, podcasters, and creators nationwide. With over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Michael Parise guides talent from discovery to development—offering coaching, booking, content production, and career strategy for the next generation of voices in comedy and media.
Together, these two brands reflect the full spectrum of Michael’s vision: one rooted in service and storytelling, law and laughter, business and show business. Whether you’re looking to tie the knot, book a star, or become one—Michael Parise delivers with heart, hustle, and a touch of wiseguy charm.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Work With Michael “Wheels” Parise
Whether you’re looking to create, collaborate, or celebrate—there’s a seat at the table. Here’s how we can work together:
🤝 Collaborate
• Podcasts & Media – Book Wheels as a guest, co-host, or content partner.
• Joint Ventures – Bring your brand, idea, or product to the table and let’s build something bold.
• Sponsorships & Product Placement – Get featured across platforms tied to comedy, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship.
🎤 Hire Me
• Motivational Speaker – “How Not to Bomb — In Life or On Stage” is available for corporate events, seminars, and retreats.
• Wedding Officiant – Traditional, spiritual, comedic, or fully custom. Available across Middle Tennessee and by request nationwide.
• Notary & Legal Services – Fast, mobile, and reliable. For individuals and businesses needing trusted notary services.
• Talent Coaching & Development – One-on-one mentoring for comedians, actors, content creators, and public speakers.
🎬 Join Century Artists Group
• Are you a rising comic, actor, or podcast talent? We’re always scouting real, raw, and unique voices.
• Submit your reel or pitch at: CenturyArtistsGrp.com
💼 Support the Mission
• Follow & Share – @wheelslive on Instagram and across social.
• Invest – Inquire about growth opportunities with Legally Yours, Century Artists Group, or branded product lines.
• Book Me Direct – For appearances, events, officiating, or speaking: centuryartistsgrp.com or email mparise@gmail.com
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://LegallyyoursTN.com
- Instagram: Wheelslive
- Facebook: Legallyyourstn
- Youtube: Wheelsp
- Other: https://Centuryartistsgrp.com
