Squat, easygoing, brushcut-blonde George Gobel first won Midwest attention singing as "Little Georgie Gobel" on radio. He also toured with country music bands while billed as "The Littlest Cowboy." His career was interrupted by WWII, in which he served as a pilot instructor. He also began doing standup for his fellow servicemen and took to the nightclub, hotel and county fair circuit in subsequent years. Gobel's mild-mannered comic delivery coupled with a warm, cracker-barrel styled feel caught fire when he hit the TV waves in 1952 and he subsequently starred on his own _"The George Gobel Show" as a tipsy mayor. The comedian died at age 71 in 1991 following bypass surgery.
Comedian.
Known for his role of "Mayor Harper" in TV series "Harper Valley P.T.A." .
In his comedy routines, he often referred to his overbearing wife as "Spooky Old Alice", which actually was a loving reference to his real-life wife, also named Alice, to whom he was married for over fifty years.
Was a hit as a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" . One night he provided a moment often replayed on "Carson highlights". Bob Hope and Dean Martin were already on and, if not drinking, gave that impression. After George was introduced and talking to Johnny Carson , he had the audience laughing away as he told stories of his WWII service in Oklahoma, noting that he had done a good job as "The Japs never got any further than Tulsa." The audience was also laughing as Dean Martin was shaking his cigarette ashes (unknown to George) in Georges drink. At that point George, realizing something was going on, but not sure what, said to Johnny, "Did you ever feel life was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?" Carson broke up, as did Hope and Martin.
Biography in: "Whos Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 183-184. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387
The Galapagos tortoise "Lonesome George" (the rarest tortoise on earth) was named after this actor.
He had a razor sharp wit. Once while attempting to sing live on national TV, a fly flew into his throat causing him to choke. He asked for someone to bring him a glass of water, which was a long time coming. Finally regaining his breath and without missing a beat, he convulsed the audience and half the nation by quipping "Oh never mind, let him walk down.".
George took over Cliff Arquette (Charley Weaver)s square on "The Hollywood Squares" after Cliff suffered a major stroke. Cliff returned after a partial recovery but after Arquettes death, George replaced him.
Gene Autry provided guitar accompaniment on four songs for Gobels first-ever recording session with Art Satherley.
Discovered in a Chicago Episcopal church choir by WLS talent scouts.
