Mike Vallely was born on June 29, 1970 in Edison, New Jersey. At the age of 14, Mike entered the world of punk rock music and skateboarding, a period of time which he called "becoming truly alive."
From there, Mike Vallely delved deeper into his new interests. He soon received his first skateboard, a Sims brand, Jeff Phillip pro model. Mike soon honed his skills on the streets of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and very quickly drew attention at local events. He soon received his first sponsorship from Powell Peralta Skateboards and became featured in the skateboarding magazine "Thrasher".
Vallely's popularity grew from that point, and by 1987, at the age of 17, Mike Vallely had his first pro model skateboard on the market with Powell Peralta. Although his skateboard was a top-seller, Vallely's professional relationship with Powell Peralta became strained. By 1989, Vallely had left Powell Peralta and formed the company World Industries with friends Steve Rocco and Rodney Mullen. It was there that he helped design the modern skateboard, which features a rounded front and tail rather than a rounded front and straight tail.
In addition to skateboarding events, Mike Vallely has also appeared in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series as Mike V. The storyline to Tony Hawk's Underground, in fact, is based loosely off Mike V's career. He has also appeared in the iPhone and iPod Touch game, "Mike V: Do or Die - Skateboarding." Mike Vallely has worked as a musician and has released three solo music albums, "Weekend in Pittsburg," "California Angel," and "Alone." He's also worked as an actor in such movies and television shows as Paul Blart: Mall Cop, The Hangover, and Viva La Bam.
Nike Valley's Career Highlights
1986 - Mike Vallely gains sponsorship with Powell Peralta
August, 1986 - Mike Vallely appears on cover of Thrasher Magazine
1987 - First Mike Vallely Pro Model Skateboard is released
1989 - Mike Vallely quits Powell Peralta, forms World Industries
2010 - Mike Vallely starts the company By The Swords
Music
Revolution Mother (2005 - 2009), Mike V & The Rats (2002 - 2005)
Movies & TV
The Hangover (2009)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
Mulberry Parks (2005)
"Drive" (2004)
xXx (2002)
7-Teen Sips (2000)
Backyard Dogs (2000)
