Chuck McCann, Comic Actor and Popular Kids TV Host, Dies at 83

[Dennis Donovan]

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chuck-mccann-dead-comic-actor-kids-tv-host-was-83-1024097



Chuck McCann, the goofy, good-natured comedian and TV host who was a hero to kids of all ages in and around New York City in the 1960s before he jumped into films, network television and commercials, has died. He was 83.

McCann died Sunday of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, publicist Edward Lozzi told The Hollywood Reporter.

With his cherubic face and ever-present grin, McCann epitomized fun. If the situation called for a fun supporting character, he was your guy. An entertainment jack-of-all-trades, McCann worked as a kids show host, puppeteer, nightclub comic, movie actor, voiceover performer and celebrity impersonator.

He had a key supporting role in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968) and starred in the low-budget fantasy film The Projectionist (1971); appeared on scores of TV shows; and did a spot-on imitation of comedy legend Oliver Hardy. (He was a founding member, along with actor Orson Bean, of the Sons of the Desert, the international fan club dedicated to celebrating Laurel & Hardy.)

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I remember him in Far Out Space Nuts:


Rest in peace, Chuck. What a funny dude!

[PCIntern]

1. Although Im from Philly,

We had a rotating antenna on top of our house and I could watch a grainy Chuck McCann and even though I was a bit old for his show at the time, I found him engaging and funny on many levels. Thanks for the update.

[longship]

2. Now that's a face one cannot forget.

Saw the post title. Asked myself, "Who's Chuck McCann?"

Clicked-through and immediately thought, "Oh no!! I know him. What a funny guy!"

[no_hypocrisy]

3. As a child, I grew up with Chuck McCann and his show on Channel 11, Let's Have Fun.

He used to read the comics from The New York Daily News (like Mayor LaGuardia) in costume! Little Orphan Annie, Dick Tracy, Dondi, Dragon Lady's Mother (from Terry & The Pirates). He appreciated kids as his audience. I probably spent more time with Chuck McCann, Sandy Becker, and Sonny Fox as a child than with my father. This was the Golden Age of Children's Television.

Here's to Chuck:

&t=66s

[winstars]

9. Me too. Sonny Fox, "Wonderama" ???

[no_hypocrisy]

10. Sonny's still with us!!!

[eShirl]

4. "I said LUNCH, not LAUNCH!"

[oasis]

5. A very fine and warm individual. R.I.P.

[CBHagman]

6. He was ubiquitous on TV when I was a kid.

And I remember his dramatic turns, too.

[Burma Jones]

7. He was a cast member on the Comedy Album "The First Family"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Family_(album)

[niyad]

8. requiescat in pace