The Amazing Ballantine

[Cinemacabre]

Carl Ballantine born Meyer Kessler; 27 September 1922 - 3 November 2009

[Universal Steve]

I remember him best from McHales Navy. R.I.P. Lester Gruber.

[Gasport]

Yes, Grube was a classic character from McHale's Navy, but my fave will always be Al from ''Car 54 Where Are You?'' His wife, Rose would always run off at the mouth and he'd respond with: ''That's enough Rose!" RIP Mr Ballantine, one more fragile piece of my youth gone forever.

[Jscareshock]

Wow!  I thought he was much older than that!  He was awesome and he shall be missed.

[Scary Terry]

Mark Evanier says the '22 date is bogus -- Ballantine was actually 92.

[MonsterArt]

Several years ago Danny Roebuck and I were at a Ray Courts show in North Hollywood, and we came upon Ballantine sitting at his table, looking rather bored. Danny introduced himself and started to tell Carl about how he had (if I remember correctly) acted in a play with Ballantine's daughter. He listened to Dan tell the story for a few minutes, and then finally just looked up at him and said-

"So, are you gonna buy something or what?"

I thought it was kind of rude, but also kind of funny. We both bought pictures from him. I'm glad I got it, and had the chance to meet him, even if it was a little weird!

[coughcool]

I remember The Amazing Ballantine he always made me laugh. R.I.P

[gracebuster]

Actually, Frank, my Carl Ballantine sightings go back to the very core of my career. I was coming out of the Bank that used to be NBC on Sunset and Vine, in Hollywood, and bumped into him on my way to my FIRST FILM AUDITION EVER! CAVEGIRL was the name of that film.


Now, I had stolen KEY jokes form Ballantine and used them in my magic act when I was a kid ("let me take off these tails") and I LOVED his character.

Anyway, I told him that I was on my way to my first film audtion in my life and asked if he had any advice.

Hey paused for a moment, chewed a little on his unlit cigar and said, "Don't F**K it up!"

As it tuned out, I did follow his advice.


GOD BLESS CARL BALLANTINE.

[mike c]

AH! Another classic, gone.

The paper bag and the feathers had me giggling for an hour when I was just a little kid... he was really something.

Alright now Carl, go face the music!

RIP

[Jscareshock]

Carl was a classic.  HE is the only magician to boast that in all the years he's been ons tage he NEVER perfomed a magic trick.  He was hilarious!