OR

source:wikipedia.org
21 Dec, 1922
24 Jun, 2005
Natural causes
American
Humanitarian
82
Paul Winchell was an American ventriloquist, voice actor, inventor, and humanitarian. Born on December 21, 1922, in New York City, he became one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry, known for his talented ventriloquism skills and iconic voice work.
Winchell was born to parents who had emigrated from Russia. From a young age, he developed an interest in ventriloquism and show business, with his first public performance at the age of 14. His skills as a ventriloquist and performer soon gained attention, leading to appearances on various radio shows in the 1930s and 1940s.
In the early 1950s, Winchell’s career took a significant turn when he started working on television. He became a regular on “The Bigelow Show” and soon received his own program, “The Paul Winchell Show”, which aired from 1950 to 1954. The show showcased his ventriloquism talents and introduced his most famous puppet, Jerry Mahoney.
Winchell’s success continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with numerous television appearances and guest spots on popular shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show”. He also became known for his voice acting work, lending his voice to numerous animated characters. One of his most notable roles was as the voice of Tigger in Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh” franchise, a role that earned him much recognition and popularity.
Beyond his career in entertainment, Winchell had an inventive mind and contributed to various fields. He held over 30 patents, with his most notable invention being an artificial heart prototype. Although he faced skepticism within the medical community, his invention paved the way for advancements in cardiac technology.
Unfortunately, Paul Winchell’s later years were not without personal and health challenges. He suffered the tragic loss of his son, Stepson, who died by suicide in 1974. Additionally, Winchell battled with depression and financial difficulties, which took a toll on his overall well-being.
On June 24, 2005, Winchell passed away at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, California. The exact cause of his death was not widely disclosed, but it was reported that he had been in declining health prior to his passing.
Despite his struggles, Paul Winchell left behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His contributions to ventriloquism and voice acting have had a significant impact on popular culture. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Paul Winchell
Paul Winchell
Male
Natural causes
New York City, U.S.A
Moorpark, California, U.S.A
Campaigner: Enthusiastic, creative and sociable free spirits, who can always find a reason to smile. He demonstrated creative ingenuity and adaptability through his diverse talents as a ventriloquist, voice actor, and inventor. His inventive mind, evidenced by holding over 30 patents including an artificial heart prototype.
Winchell held over 30 patents for various inventions.
Winchell was an accomplished voice actor. He provided the voice for many beloved characters in animated television shows, including Tigger in Disney's "Winnie the Pooh," Gargamel in "The Smurfs," and Dick Dastardly in "Wacky Races."
He also invented an artificial heart prototype.
Winchell had a strong sense of philanthropy. He was actively involved in charitable work.
Emmy Award 1974
International Ventriloquist Hall of Fame 1983
Walk of Fame Star
Peabody Award 1950