# The Character Actor Challenge! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 18, 2000, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017 "2000-02-18T21:19:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NicePete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ee7513/32.png) [@NicePete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NicePete)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/1 "2000-02-18T21:19:00Z")
This is a game a couple of my friends from work and I play instead of working. Each of the following is a character actor you would recognize if you saw him. Where do you know these fellas from? Give sufficient information to show you have identified each gentleman. This is a test of your pop cultural knowledge, not your internet research skills. Anybody can go to IMDB and look these guys up. Don’t do that. I am offering no prize other than pride and the unquestioned right to lord your superior knowledge over the rest of the teeming millions. First one to get all twelve wins. I’ll do actresses next, if this gets a positive response. Here’s the list: 1. Allan Melvin 2. Frank Nelson 3. Vernon Dent 4. J. T. Walsh 5. Lee Ermey 6. Eric Christmas 7. Richard Libertini 8. William Sanderson 9. Arnold Stang 10. Austin Pendleton 11. Burton Gilliam Good Luck! 1. Vito Scotti * * * Plunging like stones from a slingshot on Mars. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/2 "2000-02-18T21:29:00Z")
This is going to require Eve’s Brain. The only one of the dozen I can picture without reference aids is Arnold Stang. (“Sparrow” from THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM and the gas station guy that Jonathan Winters terrorizes in IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD). * * * Uke ---
**Author:** ![Gr8Kat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gr8kat/32/18668_2.png) [@Gr8Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gr8Kat)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/3 "2000-02-18T21:32:00Z")
William Sanderson Best known as Larry from _Newhart_ (“Hi, I’m Larry, and this is my brother Darrel and this is my other brother Darrel”), I’ve also seen him in _Bladerunner_. He was the toymaker who played chess with Tyrell and who Rutger Hauer and Darryl Hannah hid out with. J.T. Walsh If he’s who I think he is, he died recently, didn’t he? He was the pervert in the mental institute in the opening and closing scenes of _Slingblade._ He made Carl uncomfortable by talking about sexual stuff until, in the end of the movie, Carl finally asked him to stop. * * * “I hope life isn’t a big joke, because I don’t get it,” Jack Handy [The Kat House](http://members.aol.com/gr8kat1/KatGen/home.htm) [Join the FSH Muscular Dystrophy Webring](http://members.aol.com/gr8kat1/KatGen/fshwebring.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/4 "2000-02-18T21:34:00Z")
Well, the only name I could match with something in my mind was J.T. Walsh, whom I last saw in Pleasantville, if memory serves. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/5 "2000-02-18T21:38:00Z")
Aw, these guys are too modern! Where’s Edward Everett Horton? Franklin Pangborne? Billy Gilbert? I do know a few, though— • Frank Nelson is the brilliant “EEEE-yes?” guy who played a lot of headwaiters and floorwalkers in the '50s. • Vernon Dent was an overweight fellow who played, I believe, in some Laurel & Hardy films. • Vitto Scotti (who recently died) also played headwaiters a lot—he was a small, Eastern-European type. • Austin Pendleton and Arnold Stang are both weedy, Barney Fife types. Ya want character actresses? I’ll give ya character actresses— Alice Brady Charlotte Greenwood Una O’Connor Mary Wickes Helen Westley Margaret Dumont (that’s an easy one!) Harriett McGibbon Marion Lorne ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Naked](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Buck\_Naked](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Naked)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/6 "2000-02-18T22:39:00Z")
Vernon Dent: was actually in a great number of 3-stooges clips Allen Melvin i remember as Archie’s friend Barney in All in the family Frank nelson was an actor who appeared in severla variety shows I f I remember correctly, and he was in I love lucy also…I think Lee Ermey is your steortypical drill sargeant type I remember him most in Full metal jacket William Sanderson was Larry as previously mentioned Austin Pendelton is on the tip of my tounge…Argh… Burton Gilliam was in one of my all time favorites…“Blazing Saddles” Thats all I got…Im out…peace!!! * * * I feel more like I do now than I did when I got here. ---
**Author:** ![Flang\_Dang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a88e4f/32.png) [@Flang\_Dang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flang_Dang)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/7 "2000-02-18T22:46:00Z")
Richard Libertini: Wonderful as Praka Lhasa(?) in “All of Me”. “bekinbowl?” * * * “Did you ever wake up, Bullfrogs on your– Bullfrogs on your– I mean mind? Did you ever wake up with bullfrogs on your mind? That’s a sure sign you got bullfrogs on your mind.” – Wm Harris ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/8 "2000-02-18T23:40:00Z")
Astin Pendleton’s most recent appearance was as the Medical Examiner in HOMICIDE. Lee Ermey was a former Marine drill sargent who came to prominence in FULL METAL JACKET. Was also the voice of the commander of the plastic soldiers in TOY STORY. Richard Libertini – Lots of “madman” roles. Best I can think of was the dictator in THE IN-LAWS. Also played Geezle in POPEYE (perfect casting). Vito Scotti – lots of TV guest appearances, usually as an exciteable Italian. Arnold Stang – best known for his voice work (TOP CAT) and Chunky candy bar commercials. Others have been covered. On the female side: Charlotte Greenwood delightful British actress – sexy and playful with a deep throaty voice. Watch THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT. Una O’Connell – played a lot of old women in the 30s, often for comic relief. BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE INFORMER. Mary Wickes – best known for matronly parts. She was in SISTER ACT and was the voice of one of the gargoyles in Disney’s HUNCHBACK. * * * “What we have here is failure to communicate.” – Strother Martin, anticipating the Internet. [www.sff.net/people/rothman](http://www.sff.net/people/rothman) ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2000, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/9 "2000-02-18T23:52:00Z")
Wasn’t Marian Lorne Samantha Stevens’ ditsy aunt in Bewitched? Spoke with a slight stammer, always had her hand at her mouth saying “Oh, dear”, and usually turned Darrin into a pumpkinhead? ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/10 "2000-02-19T01:27:00Z")
R. Lee Ermey actually was a drill sergeant, that’s why he keeps getting those roles so often. He was in Space: Above and Beyond, and The Frighteners, and more importantly Toy Story 1 & 2, all in exactly the same role. He does play other characters occasionally, though. * * * **-PIGEONMAN-** [The Legend Of PigeonMan](http://www.hotkey.net.au/~guanolad/pigeonman/) - **Shadow of the Pigeon** - Weirdo of the Night ---
**Author:** ![TaleraRis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@TaleraRis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TaleraRis)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/11 "2000-02-19T07:33:00Z")
No one knows Eric Christmas!? You deprived people. He says one of the greatest lines I’ve ever heard in a movie. Oh, and who is he? Mr. Carter, HS principal in the Porky’s series 😃 * * * When are you going to realize being normal isn’t necessarily a good thing? ---
**Author:** ![aseymayo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e57/32.png) [@aseymayo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aseymayo)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/12 "2000-02-19T07:52:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Charlotte Greenwood delightful British actress – sexy and playful with a deep throaty voice. Watch THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT Er, I think that’s Joan Greenwood. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/13 "2000-02-19T08:59:00Z")
These aren’t as tough but how about: M. Emmet Walsh (easy) Pat Hingle Elisha Cook John Fiedler Dana Elcar/Simon Oakland (I always mix them up) * * * _I for one welcome our new insect overlords…_ - K. Brockman ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/14 "2000-02-19T09:01:00Z")
And for all the MST3K fans, \*\*"Who is Merrit Stone!!! BOOM!\*\* * * * _I for one welcome our new insect overlords…_ - K. Brockman ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/15 "2000-02-19T11:54:00Z")
Pat Hingle played Commissioner Gordon in the Batman movies. Dana Elcar… is that Pete Thornton from MacGyver? * * * **-PIGEONMAN-** [The Legend Of PigeonMan](http://www.hotkey.net.au/~guanolad/pigeonman/) - **Shadow of the Pigeon** - Weirdo of the Night ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2000, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/16 "2000-02-19T23:31:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by TaleraRis: > \*\*No one knows Eric Christmas!? You deprived people. He says one of the greatest lines I’ve ever heard in a movie. > > Oh, and who is he? Mr. Carter, HS principal in the Porky’s series 😃 > > \*\* Wasn’t he also the minister in **Harold and Maude**? * * * “What’s the cure for disillusionment, Charlie Brown?” “A chocolate cream and a friendly pat on the back.” ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2000, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/17 "2000-02-20T01:45:00Z")
My favorite Vito Scotti role was the episode of the Dick Van Dyke show titled “Give Me Your Walls!” One of my fave DvD shows, as well. One of the best lines: “Hey walls! Everything’s a-gonna be fine!” Marvelous. Here’s another everyone should know: Burt Mustin * * * But where were the Spiders? ---
**Author:** ![Persephone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@Persephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Persephone)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2000, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/18 "2000-02-20T01:56:00Z")
I recognized Walsh, Sanderson, and Libertini right away. My personal fave is J.T. Walsh. He did kick butt in _Slingblade,_ but I liked him best as that miserable sergeant in _Good Morning, Vietnam._ * * * Changing my sig, because Wally said to, and I really like Wally, and I’ll do anything he says, anytime he says to. ---
**Author:** ![kawliga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea666f/32.png) [@kawliga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kawliga)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2000, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/19 "2000-02-20T03:53:00Z")
Allan Melvin - Alice’s boyfriend on the Brady Bunch Frank Nelson - Always played the sales clerk on the Jack Benny Show Vernon Dent - Three Stooges supporting player. Lee Ermey - D.I. in Full Metal Jacket Eric Christmas - never heard of him Richard Libertini- the Latin American strongman with a Z-shaped scar in The In-laws William Sanderson - Larry on Newhart Arnold Stang - co-star in Arnold Scharzenegger’s first picture Hercules in Manhattan Austin Pendleton - medical examiner on Homicide: Life on the Streets Burton Gilliam - Slim Pickens’ right-hand man in Blazing Saddles Vito Scotti - the undertaker in The Godfather ---
**Author:** ![kawliga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea666f/32.png) [@kawliga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kawliga)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2000, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017/20 "2000-02-20T04:08:00Z")
RealityChuck wrote: Charlotte Greenwood delightful British actress – sexy and playful with a deep throaty voice. Watch THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT. That’s Joan Greenwood. Charlotte Greenwood was a tall comedienne and dancer popular in 30s and 40s musicals. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-character-actor-challenge/14017.md?page=2)