Who Is Orson Bean? Age, Biography and Wiki
Orson Bean, an American actor born on July 22, 1928, in Burlington, Vermont, made a significant impact in the world of television and film until his passing in 2020 at the age of 91. Known for his charisma and versatility, Bean's career spanned over six decades. He gained fame for his roles in various television shows, including "To Tell the Truth" and "The Twilight Zone," as well as appearances in films like "Being John Malkovich." His rich biography reflects a life dedicated to performance, humor, and entertainment.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1928 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Burlington, Vermont, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 7 February, 2020 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Orson Bean's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Bean’s exact height and weight at the time of his passing are not prominently recorded, he was known for his slender build, which allowed him to take on a variety of roles throughout his career. Typically, he stood around 5 feet 10 inches tall and maintained a healthy physique, showcasing his dedication to staying fit for his performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Orson Bean was married to actress and playwright Alley Mills at the time of his death. This union, which began in 1993, was one of the highlights of his life, showcasing a loving relationship that stood the test of time in the public eye. Prior to Alley, he had other relationships, including a notable marriage to actress Carolyn Latham, with whom he had two children. His family extended beyond just his immediate relatives, as he was beloved by his colleagues and fans alike.
Bean was the son of Marian Ainsworth (née Pollard) and George Frederick Burrows. His father was a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a fund-raiser for the Scottsboro Boys' defense, and a 20-year member of the campus police of Harvard College. Bean said his home was "full of causes". He left home at 16 after his mother died by suicide.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Orson Bean's estimated net worth was around $1 million. His wealth primarily stemmed from his long-standing career in entertainment, encompassing acting, voice work, and storytelling. Although exact figures regarding his salary per project are not publicly available, his extensive contributions to television and film certainly afforded him a comfortable lifestyle.
Career, Business and Investments
Orson Bean made his debut in show business in the late 1940s and quickly established himself as a talented actor and comedian. In addition to his numerous television appearances, he lent his voice to several animated characters, including those in popular series like "The Addams Family" and "Scooby-Doo." Aside from acting, Bean was known for his storytelling ability, often performing one-man shows that drew from his life experiences and career. His investments in various creative projects illustrate a lifelong commitment to the arts.
For 10 years, he was the house comic at New York's Blue Angel comedy club. In 1954, The New York Times noted in a review of The Blue Angel, Bean's delivery was always well played, even if a joke fell flat.
In the summer of 1954, he hosted a television show, The Blue Angel, on CBS in which he served as emcee, introducing various acts at the simulated nightclub. Time Magazine, reviewing the show, called Bean "a quiet, wry, young comedian ... who has a happy way with a joke".
He "maintained a steady career since the 1950s and cut his teeth on and off Broadway before becoming a live-television staple."
Social Network
Even in the twilight of his life, Orson Bean remained connected with his fans through social media and various public appearances. His Twitter and Instagram accounts featured updates about his life, engagements, and reflections on his lengthy career. Bean was active in promoting the arts and served as an inspiration to aspiring actors, maintaining a presence in both traditional media and online platforms.
In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1974 Bean recounted the source of his stage name. He credited its origin to a piano player named Val at "Hurley's Log Cabin", a restaurant and nightclub in Boston where he had once performed.
According to Bean, every evening before he went on stage at the nightclub Val would suggest to him a silly name to use when introducing himself to the audience. One night, for example, the piano player suggested "Roger Duck," but the young comedian got very few laughs after using that name in his performance.
On another night, the musician suggested "Orson Bean" and the comedian received a great response from the audience, a reaction so favorable that it resulted in a job offer that same evening from a local theatrical booking agent. Given his success on that occasion, Bean decided to keep using the odd-sounding but memorable name.
(Bean again told the story nearly verbatim on the Carson show September 23, 1976, but Carson appeared to not remember having heard it before.)
Education
Orson Bean's early education took place in Vermont, where he was exposed to performing arts at an early age. Later, Bean attended the University of Vermont briefly before transitioning straight into the world of entertainment. His real education came from the school of hard knocks within the industry, where he honed his craft through experience rather than traditional academic routes.
Bean graduated from Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1946. He then joined the United States Army and was stationed in Japan for a year. Following his military service, Bean began working in small venues as a stage magician before moving in the early 1950s to stand-up comedy. He studied theatre at HB Studio.
