(Variety) Actor Carl Ballantine, 92 - McHale's' star got start as a magician

Actor Carl Ballantine dies at 92

'McHale's' star got start as a magician

By VARIETY STAFF

Actor and magician Carl Ballantine died Nov. 3 in Hollywood of natural
causes Nov. 3. He was 92.

Born Meyer Kessler in Chicago, he started performing magic tricks as a
teenager. He added comedy to the routine, and the Amazing Ballantine
was born.

Ballantine's act was seen in the later days of vaudeville in New York
and Baltimore. On TV, his comedy magic act was booked on shows from
Gary Moore, Steve Allen, Milton Berle, Dinah Shore, Andy Williams,
Dean Martin and Ed Sullivan.

He was the first magician to play Las Vegas on a bill with Harry
James, Betty Grable and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Moving into television, he played Lester Gruber on "McHale's Navy" and
appeared in films including "The Shakiest Gun in the West," "The
World's Greatest Lover," "Mr. Saturday Night" and "Speedway" with
Elvis Presley.

He also appeared on Broadway in the 1971 revival of "A Funny Thing
Happened On The Way To The Forum" with Phil Silvers.

He is survived by a sister, daughter Saratoga, an actress, and
daughter.

Donations may be made to Used Pets, 517 W. Buckthorn, Inglewood, CA
90301.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010893.html





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"It's not that I'm afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it
happens." - Woody Allen

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