Arnold Stang, the character actor known for his nerdy looks and distinctive voice, has died at the age of 91. Stang died of pneumonia on Sunday at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts.
Starting his career in radio in the 194o’s, the diminutive actor with the brass attitude became a supporting player on Milton Berle’s Texaco Star Theater. He was also a voice actor for animated cartoons, providing the voice of Popeye’s pal Shorty, a caricature of Stang – see photo below. He was also the voice of Top Cat – see video.
Stang crossed over into television and film, starring alongside Frank Sinatra in the 1955 movie “The Man with the Golden Arm,” and appearing as part of the ensemble cast of 1963’s “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” He went on to appear in movies alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bill Cosby when he was in his 80’s and he had a role in the 1993 movie “Dennis the Menace”.
Stang is survived by his wife of 60 years, JoAnne, and their two children, David and Deborah. His wife said, “I remember how smart he was, and how hard-working, and how disciplined he was, no matter what the role.”
View more photos below.