Mel Welles

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Mel Welles , as seen in the colorized version of The Little Shop of Horrors.

Mel Welles (circa 1922 - August 18, 2005) was an American film actor. His best-remembered role is that of hapless flower shop owner Gravis Mushnik in the 1960 low-budget Roger Corman dark comedy, The Little Shop of Horrors (which featured Jack Nicholson as a masochistic dentist patient).

Not much is known of Welles' early life, except that he was born Ira Meltcher in New York City. His birth year is uncertain, but is estimated at 1922 based on the year he graduated from Mt. Carmel High School, in 1940. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University, a Master of Arts degree from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University.

Welles held a number of jobs during his lifetime; at one time or another he worked as a clinical psychologist, radio DJ, television actor, writer and film director. He did some stage work before traveling to Hollywood, where in 1953 he appeared in his first film, Appointment in Honduras. His favorite role (The Little Shop of Horrors) was also his last in the U.S. for many years.

In the early 1960s, he left the United States to act, produce and direct primarily in European film productions including the cult horror film Lady Frankenstein (1971). His fluency in five languages proved to be most helpful. He also served as a film consultant. Later he returned to the U.S., appearing in a number of films and doing voice work.

Welles was working on a horror screenplay, tentatively titled House of a Hundred Horrors, at the time of his death.