George S. Irving

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George S. Irving (born November 1, 1922) is a Tony Award-winning American actor, known primarily for his character roles on Broadway.

Born George Irving Shelasky in Springfield, Massachusetts, he made his debut in the original 1943 production of Oklahoma!, only to find himself drafted days later to serve in World War II. Following his return, Irving would discover his singing voice and gift for broad comedy which would be a part of his performance for the next six decades. He has provided some of the brightest moments in both smash hits and otherwise forgettable flops.[citation needed]

One of his most famous off-Broadway roles was a voice-over for Rankin-Bass's The Year Without a Santa Claus, in which he played the embittered Heat Miser opposite Dick Shawn's Snow Miser. He did another voice-over for Rankin-Bass as Gepetto in Pinocchio's Christmas, and was the narrator of the animated cartoon series Underdog. He also appeared in television commercials for White Owl cigars.

Irving was married to actress Maria Karnilova from 1948 until her death in 2001.

[edit] Selected Broadway credits

[edit] Awards and nominations

  • 1987 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Me and My Girl, nominee)
  • 1973 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Irene, winner)
  • 1972 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance (An Evening With Richard Nixon and..., winner)
Preceded by
Larry Blyden
for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum		 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical
1973
for Irene		 Succeeded by
Tommy Tune
for Seesaw

[edit] External links