Births on January 20

Arte Johnson, American actor and comedian

Arthur Stanton Eric Johnson: A Legacy of Laughter in American Comedy

Arthur Stanton Eric Johnson (January 20, 1929 – July 3, 2019) was a quintessential American comic actor, celebrated for his exceptional versatility and distinctive character portrayals. He left an indelible mark on television, film, and voice acting, charming audiences with his unique blend of wit, physical comedy, and an uncanny ability to inhabit a myriad of roles.

Known for his remarkable range, Johnson's career spanned several decades, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His contributions extended far beyond a single medium, demonstrating a mastery of both live-action performance and the nuanced art of voice characterization, enriching numerous animated productions.

Breakthrough and Iconic Characters on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

Johnson achieved widespread national recognition as a core cast member on NBC's groundbreaking sketch comedy series, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, which aired from 1968 to 1973. This show revolutionized television comedy with its fast-paced, irreverent style, featuring a rapid-fire succession of jokes, recurring gags, and memorable characters. As a regular on Laugh-In, Johnson became synonymous with several iconic personas that captivated millions of viewers:

• Wolfgang the German Soldier: Perhaps his most famous character, Wolfgang was a perpetually confused Nazi soldier hiding behind a bush, observing the American way of life with a wry, often bewildered expression. His catchphrase, "Very interesting... but stupid!", delivered with a thick German accent, became an instant cultural touchstone and remains one of the show's most quoted lines.
• The Dirty Old Man: With a trench coat, fedora, and a mischievous glint in his eye, Johnson's "dirty old man" character would accost pedestrians (often Goldie Hawn) and whisper a seemingly salacious, yet ultimately innocent, punchline.
• The Man Who's "Still a Baby": This character, often seen in a crib or baby carriage, would insist, "I'm still a baby!" despite his adult appearance, a testament to Johnson's ability to play on absurd situations with deadpan delivery.

His chameleon-like ability to transform into these diverse characters, often with a simple costume change and a shift in vocal cadence, highlighted his genius for physical comedy and character acting, making him a standout performer in an ensemble of comedic talent.

A Prolific Career Beyond Laugh-In: Voice Acting and Film

While Laugh-In solidified his fame, Arthur Johnson's career was remarkably expansive, particularly in the realm of voice acting, where his distinctive vocal talents found a vast outlet. He became a staple in animated productions, lending his voice to a multitude of beloved characters. His notable voice roles include:

• Animated Television Series:
  • The Smurfs: He provided the voices for several characters, including Slouchy Smurf and Handy Smurf (in later seasons), contributing to the enduring appeal of the classic cartoon.
  • Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Johnson voiced multiple pivotal characters across the various iterations of the popular animated franchise, including Prince Lotor, Coran, and King Zarkon.
  • The Flintstone Kids: He voiced the character of Mr. Slate, among others, in the animated prequel to The Flintstones.
  • The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo: Johnson was the voice of Weerd.
  • The Real Ghostbusters: He took over the voice role of Louis Tully, originally portrayed by Rick Moranis in the live-action films.
  • DuckTales: He lent his voice to various characters in the popular Disney animated series.
• Live-Action Film and Television: Johnson also showcased his acting prowess in live-action roles beyond comedy sketches. He appeared in several feature films, notably portraying Professor in the successful *Police Academy* film series, a role he reprised in the television series *Police Academy: The Series*. He also had a notable role in the 1967 satirical spy film, *The President's Analyst*. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between broad comedy and more understated character work in dramatic and comedic contexts.

A Distinctive Talent and Lasting Impact

Arthur Johnson's legacy is defined by his unique comedic sensibilities and his profound influence on character acting. His ability to create memorable, distinct personalities, whether through voice or physical embodiment, made him a cherished figure in American entertainment. He possessed a rare talent for transforming seemingly simple concepts into hilarious, enduring characters, ensuring his place as a significant contributor to the golden age of television comedy and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur Johnson

When was Arthur Johnson born and when did he pass away?

Arthur Stanton Eric Johnson was born on January 20, 1929, and passed away on July 3, 2019, at the age of 90.

What was Arthur Johnson best known for?

He was most widely recognized for his memorable character portrayals as a regular cast member on the influential NBC sketch comedy series, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, during its highly popular run from 1968 to 1973.

What were some of Arthur Johnson's iconic characters on Laugh-In?

On Laugh-In, Johnson brought to life several indelible characters, including the Nazi soldier Wolfgang, whose catchphrase "Very interesting... but stupid!" became a cultural touchstone. He also famously portrayed the "dirty old man" and the man perpetually claiming "I'm still a baby."

Did Arthur Johnson have other significant roles beyond Laugh-In?

Yes, Johnson had a prolific career extending beyond Laugh-In. He was a versatile character actor in numerous live-action films and television shows, notably appearing in the *Police Academy* film series as Professor and in the TV series *Police Academy: The Series*. He was also an accomplished voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to popular animated series such as *The Smurfs*, *Voltron: Defender of the Universe*, and *The Real Ghostbusters* (as Louis Tully).