Arnold Stang, voice of Top Cat, dies aged 91
Arnold Stang, the actor who was the voice of Top Cat in the 1960s cartoon, has died aged 91.
The character actor died of pneumonia at a Massachusetts hospital on Sunday, said his wife of 60 years, JoAnne.
Known for his distinctive nasal voice and nerdy looks, Stang also starred alongside Frank Sinatra in the 1955 film The Man With The Golden Arm, and appeared in the 1963 comedy It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
His widow today attributed her husband's career longevity to his willingness to tackle any professional challenge.
'He was really unique, because he could perform in any role, comedy or drama, he just loved it all,' Mrs Stang said.
'He always thought of himself just as an actor, not any particular kind of actor, but just an actor who would play whatever he was asked to play.'
Despite often playing goofy characters, Stang was the consummate professional, preparing the same for his biggest roles and the smallest commercials.
'I remember how smart he was, and how hardworking, and how disciplined he was, no matter what the role,' his wife said.
A native New Yorker, the slight and diminutive Stang started his career on the radio as a teenager and never lost his love of the medium.
JoAnne remembers her husband zipping across Manhattan in the 1940s and '50s, from radio show to radio show, all live and challenging in their own way because all the acting is done through voice, with no facial expressions or body language.
'That was his education,' she said.
He played alongside comedian Milton Berle on radio and television in the 1950s, starred as Frank Sinatra's sidekick in the 1955 movie The Man with the Golden Arm, and was a member of the ensemble comedic cast of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World in 1963.
The dramatic role alongside Sinatra was one of his favourites, his wife said.
As well as voicing cartoons, he did dozens of commercials, perhaps most notably for the Chunky candy bar.
He appeared in a film alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger (Hercules In New York) and also featured on TV in The Cosby Show and the 1960s Batman series.
Stang continued acting into his 80s, playing a role in the 1993 movie Dennis The Menace.
He is also survived by son David and daughter Deborah.
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