An American actor, ventriloquist, and inventor, he gained fame for his work in children's television during the 1950s and 60s. Known for his ventriloquist dummies Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff, he became a household name. His versatile voice acting brought numerous animated characters to life, most notably Tigger in Disney's "Winnie the Pooh" series. Beyond entertainment, he held patents for medical devices, including an artificial heart, showcasing his diverse talents and inventive spirit.