Comedian
The Resume
(September 27, 1917-November 3, 2009)
Born in Chicago, Illinois
Birth name was Meyer Kessler
Magician/comedian/actor
Portrayed Lester Gruber in McHale's Navy
Appeared in the movies 'Speedway' (1968), 'The Shakiest Gun in the West' (1968), 'The Girl Most Likely To' (TV movie, 1973), 'Revenge of the Cheerleaders' (1976), 'The World's Greatest Lover' (1977), 'Just You and Me, Kid' (1979), 'Mr. Saturday Night' (1992) and 'My Giant' (1998)
Why he might be annoying
He shaved five years off his age, claiming 1922 as his birth year.
He took his stage name from a bottle of Ballantine whiskey.
He started as a straight magician, decided he would never be as good as the top performers, then switched to a comedic act in which his tricks failed.
He appeared in commercials as the agent for the California Raisins.
He chain smoked Cuban stogies.
Why he might not be annoying
During World War II, he entertained the troops in England.
He was married to Ceil Cabot for 45 years until her death.
He was the first magician to headline in Vegas.
Fellow McHale's Navy alum Tim Conway said, 'He was a natural. Everything to him had humor.'
Other fans include comedian Steve Martin, magician David Copperfield and comedic magicians Penn & Teller.
Credit: C. Fishel
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Year In Review:
For 2009, as of last week, Out of 142 Votes: 35.92% Annoying
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