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Written by PTC | Published May 23, 2016
Though best known for his role on Mr. Ed, the star's talent was much wider-ranging.
Alan Young, one of the last comedians of the World War II generation, passed away last week at age 96.
Born in England, by the time he was in high school, Young had his own comedy radio series on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation network. After World War II service in the Canadian Navy, Young got his own shows on American radio and television, winning an Emmy award as "Outstanding Lead Actor" on NBC’s The Alan Young Show in 1951. He appeared in several films, including Gentlemen Marry Brunettes and The Time Machine.
But Young was best known for his lead role as Wilbur Post, the owner of the talking horse Mr. Ed on the 1960s TV series of the same name. After Mr. Ed ended in 1966, Young appeared in numerous guest roles on TV. In the late 1980s, he became known to a new generation as the voice of Uncle Scrooge McDuck on the animated series DuckTales. This led him to a new career as a voice-over artist on such cartoons as The Ren & Stimpy Show, Batman: The Animated Series, and TaleSpin.
“In my days with NBC, I had the great pleasure to spend time with Alan and Ginny Young at their home,” said PTC President Tim Winter. “Alan was always someone who was positive, delightful, and truly grateful for what he had. The PTC mourns his passing.”