William Schallert

William Schallert (b. 1922) is a character actor best known for playing kindly paternal figures, notably starring as father Martin Lane on The Patty Duke Show. An active performer in television and film since the 1940s, Schallert's other TV credits include the senile Admiral Hargrade on Get Smart, Mr. Pomfritt on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, a guest spot as Nilz Baris on Star Trek, and in later years, Boarder Hodges on the sitcom Almost Home, as well as bits on Bonanza and Lassie. Film credits include the original Mighty Joe Young, Teachers, Singin' in the Rain, and prominent cameos in several of director Joe Dante's films, including Gremlins, Matinee, and Twilight Zone: the Movie. As a voice actor, Schallert has been heard in Pop Tart commercials as Milton the Toaster, on The Smurfs and Angry Beavers, and guest starred on Dinosaurs as the WESAYSO Scientist in "Power Erupts."