For anyone over 40, say the name Arnold Stang and a smile slowly grows on their face, as they picture the nerdy little man, with the nasally voice and NY twang.
Stang was an underrated comic, often the second banana to such comics as Milton Berle and Eddie Cantor. Stang was a staple on many radio comedy shows and appeared on broadway, before making his way to Hollywood. During the early days of television, Stang managed to nab leading roles in The School House and Doc Corkle, before becoming a regular on Berle's Texaco Star Theatre, and making numerous guest appearances on other comedy shows as well.
In 1955, Stang got a plum part, working with Frank Sinatra in The Man with The Golden Arm— a dramatic role that Stang relished. In 1963, Stang returned to comedy, appearing in the big-budget comedy classic It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad,World.
The 1960's were very good years for Stang, who was fast becoming a sought-after voice over actor for cartoons. His most memorable character was a cat named Top Cat, a prime-time animated show (of the same name), produced by Hanna-Barbera, which ran from 1961-1962. Top Cat was a take-off of the Phil Silver's Show, and Stang's Top Cat sounded and acted very much like actor Phil Silver's Sgt. Bilko character. Stang also provided the voice for Mr. Jaw' s side-kick, Catfish in Misterjaw (1976).
In addition to his voice over work, Stang was also a successful pitchman, and appeared in commercials for Chunky candy bars, Vick's Vapor-Rub, and was the original voice of the Honey-Nut Cheerios Bee.
Stang died of pneumonia on December 20, 2009. He was 91 years old. We'll miss you T.C.
Note to all: I will be on vacation the rest of the week, and will be back on Monday, Dec. 28th.
I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and happy holidays.
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