Charlie Callas - RIP - 27 January 2011

Not so well known these days by the younger generation. But in the 60s & 70s he was all over the TV with Dean Martin, Andy Williams & on the Tonite Show.



He also was in many movies, including several Mel Brooks movies. His ability to parody is well captured in this take off on The Godfather.

Then there is this roast of Frank Sinatra:



Not all his bits were impersonating Italianos. He did plenty of other routines, He often made fun of the acts that appeared on shows like Ed Sullivan.



His big break came when he did this hunting routine on Merv Griffin that left Jerry Lewis hysterical & almost falling out of his chair.

But what most people don't realize is that he got his start as a drummer playing in groups with Tommy Dorsey, Claude Thornhill, & Buddy Rich. Here he is playing drums in the Grand Canyon Suite Finale with the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, Canada.