Jack Albertson was an American actor.
Biography[]
Born Harold Albertson in Malden, Massachussetts, he made his show business start as soft shoe dancer and later as straight man to comedian Phil Silvers. He made his first confirmed screen appearance in 1940's Strike Up the Band and also became a popular television actor, with recurring roles in The Thin Man, Mister Ed and Chico and the Man among others.
Later, Albertson appeared in such films as The Subject Was Roses (winning an Academy Award for this role, which he had earned a Tony Award for playing earlier onstage), The Poseidon Adventure and memorably as Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He made his final role as the voice of Amos Slade in Disney's The Fox and the Hound.
Albertson passed away in 1981.
Singing[]
Albertson sang many times, from his first musical role in the revue Meet the People. He appeared in such stage musicals as The Cradle Will Rock, Show Boat and the original production of Top Banana, where he played Vic Davis.
Albertson also sang in several screen roles, including his Award-winning turn in The Subject Was Roses, and in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, where he joyfully sang "I've Got a Golden Ticket."
Film[]
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)[]
- Jingle Bells (reprise)(solo)
The Subject Was Roses (1968)[]
- Suebonnet Sue (solo)
- Me and My Shadow (duet)
- By the Light of the Silvery Moon (duet)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)[]
- I've Got a Golden Ticket (duet)
The Fox and the Hound (1981)[]
- A Huntin' Man (solo)
Television[]
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959)[]
- Deck the Halls
- Bison Lodge Song
Stage[]
Meet the People (1940)[]
- Meet the People (contains solo lines)
- It's the Same Old South (duet)
- (It Seems There Was) A Fellow and a Girl (contains solo lines)
The Cradle Will Rock (1947)[]
- Oh, What a Filthy Night Court! (contains solo lines)
- Ask Us Again (contains solo lines)
- Art For Art's Sake (contains solo lines)
Top Banana (1951)(originated the role)[]
- Top Banana (contains solo lines)
- You're O.K. for T.V. (contains solo lines)
- Slogan Song (contains solo lines)
- Meet Miss Blendo
- Finale
Show Boat (1954)[]
- I Might Fall Back On You (contains solo lines)
- Goodbye, My Lady Love (duet)
Gallery[]
