Burgess Meredith and Brenda Vaccaro
Burgess Meredith (1907-1997) was a leading character actor whose work ranged from serious drama on stage and in film (George in Of Mice and Men) to pop culture franchises (the Penguin on the 1960s Batman, gruff trainer Mickey in the Rocky movies). In 1979, he attended the live event that was reworked for broadcast as The Muppets Go Hollywood, photographed with actress Brenda Vaccaro, but did not appear in the TV version.
Meredith began his acting career in New York, on stage and radio (heard with Orson Welles in the 1937 verse play "Fall of the City"). He was appearing in film by the 1940s and would later receive Oscar-nominations for Best Supporting Actor in The Day of the Locust and Rocky. Other films include Foul Play, Clash of the Titans, and Grumpy Old Men and its sequel. He appeared in four installments of the original The Twilight Zone (including "Time Enough at Last") as well as narrating the film version. Other TV work included a regular role on the All in the Family spin-off Gloria (with Sally Struthers) and guest parts on Ben Casey, Faerie Tale Theatre, Rawhide, and Bonanza. He lent his voice as narrator on several projects and to Puff the Magic Dragon in three animated specials.
References[]
- Kermit the Frog spoofed Meredith's portrayal of Mickey as "Greeny" in Muppet Magazine issue 13.
- Mick the Stick in Sesame Street Episode 3306 is another parody of Burgess Meredith as Mickey.