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Broadway , motion picture, television, and voice actor from the 1950s to the 1980s, distinguished by a deep, resonant voice. He started his acting career on stage at age 20 in "Tobacco Road," and on CBS TV's "Mr. I. Magination." He was a character actor and puppeteer for "Space Funnies" (in the role of Captain Jett) from 1955 to 1960. Probably more famous for playing Michael Caine's agent in the movie Deathtrap (1982) and the junk dealer Mr. Farber in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), opposite a then-new talent, Richard Dreyfuss . Although his movie, television, and voice work career were extensive, his heart and soul belonged to Broadway and the theater, and he eventually received a Tony nomination for the 1972-73 production of "Lenny" for his multiple characterizations (he played nine different roles). Other works include "Shivers" (1975), "You Light Up My Life" (1977), "Diary of a Bachelor" (1964), and a guest-starring role as a villain in an episode of the Bloodhound Gang segment on the first season of "3-2-1 Contact" (1980)
He was the second and the last host/performer to play Captain Jet on the WCBS-TV, Ch. 2 NYC version of "Space Funnies"/"Captain Jet" on Saturday and Sunday mornings from Saturday and Sunday June 19, and 20, 1955, to Saturday and Sunday December 30 and 31, 1960. The first host/performer to play Captain Jet was actor and radio DJ Stan Sawyer, who hosted the program from Saturday and Sunday July 5 and 6, 1953, to Saturday and Sunday June 28 and 29, 1955.Acted in the Broadway production of "Legs Diamond" (Dec 26, 1988 - Feb 19, 1989) just 8 days before he passed away.Began his career in children's TV as a regular member of Paul Tripp's repertory company of actors on CBS TV's pioneering educational kids show "Mr. I. Magination."Started hosting "Space Funnies" on Saturday, June 19, 1955, as Captain Jett but also displayed his extensive talents by performing puppet skits and created his own special visual effects with ordinary household items (a boiling pot of oatmeal served as the surface of Venus, for example).Was nominated for Brodway's 1972 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for "Lenny."Had 2 children, Christopher (born 1953) and Jennifer (born 1958). Neither child was raised Jewish like their father, but Christopher later converted to Judiasm as an adult and changed his name to Mosche Silver.Attended the University of Wisconsin where he majored in Communications and TheaterWas a Green Bay Packers fanBefore he made a living in show business as an actor, he was a shoe salesman.Had 3 grandchildren at the time of his death by his daughter, Jennifer Sylla.