Who Is Paul Winchell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paul Winchell was born on December 21, 1922, in New York City, USA, and passed away on June 24, 2005. Renowned for his remarkable ventriloquism skills and voice acting talent, Winchell made a significant impact on the entertainment industry during his lifetime. His unique ability to bring puppets to life set him apart, making him a beloved figure in children's television. Beyond ventriloquism, Winchell was also an actor, comedian, and inventor, leaving a multifaceted legacy after his passing.
At the time of his death in 2005, he was 82 years old, and his contributions to both ventriloquism and animation continue to resonate today.
| Occupation | Ventriloquist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1922 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 June, 2005 |
| Died Place | Moorpark, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Paul Winchell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While there are not many publicly available details about Paul Winchell's physical statistics, he was known for his charismatic presence on screen. His height was approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), and he maintained a healthy weight throughout his life, which contributed to his energetic performances.
He also had medical training and became one of the first people to patent a mechanical artificial heart, implantable in the chest cavity (US Patent #3097366 of 1963). Winchell has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paul Winchell's personal life was marked by two marriages. He first married actress and comedian, Evelyn Winslow, in 1948, but the couple divorced in 1954. He later married model and actress, Janet E. Bennett, in 1975, and they remained together until his death. Winchell had three children from his marriages, forming a family that cherished his artistic legacy. As of 2025, there are no widely acknowledged reports of his dating life posthumously, as his relationships were primarily focused on his family and career during his lifetime.
He made guest appearances on television series from the late 1950s to the mid 1970s, such as Perry Mason, The Dick Van Dyke Show, McMillan & Wife, The Brady Bunch, The Donna Reed Show, and appearances as Homer Winch on The Beverly Hillbillies. In animation, Winchell was the original voice of Tigger, Dick Dastardly, Gargamel, Scrubbing Bubbles, and other characters.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Paul Winchell had an estimated net worth of around $1.5 million. His earnings were generated from a vibrant career in entertainment, which included television shows, voice acting for animated characters—most famously Tigger from Disney's Winnie the Pooh series—and various stage performances. In the wake of his passing, his contributions to the entertainment industry have continued to be celebrated, maintaining his recognition and legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Paul Winchell's career spanned several decades and included a variety of accomplishments. He started his journey in the 1930s as a ventriloquist, eventually gaining national recognition through his radio show and television appearances. Winchell had a unique talent for creating original characters, including the beloved Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff.
Aside from his performing career, Winchell was also an inventor with over 30 patents to his name. Notably, he invented an artificial heart and worked on projects that aimed to improve the quality of life for many people. His diverse interests and multiple careers showcased his innovative spirit and dedication to both entertainment and science.
Paul Winchell (né Wilchinsky; December 21, 1922 – June 24, 2005) was an American ventriloquist, comedian, actor, humanitarian, and inventor whose career flourished in the 1950s and 1960s. From 1950 to 1954, he hosted The Paul Winchell Show, which also used two other titles during its prime time run on NBC: The Speidel Show, and What's My Name?.
From 1965 to 1968, Winchell hosted the children's television series Winchell-Mahoney Time.
Social Network
Though Paul Winchell passed away in 2005, his influence persists on social media platforms. Fans and admirers often share clips of his performances, celebrating his contributions to ventriloquism and animation. Various fan pages maintain his legacy on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where audiences can engage with archival footage and memories. His family has also shared insights and stories that contribute to the ongoing appreciation of his work, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of many.
Education
Paul Winchell attended the New York School of Ventriloquism, sharpening his talents and building a foundation for his career in entertainment. While details about his formal education are limited, it is clear that his passion for ventriloquism and performing arts paved the way for a successful career that has inspired generations of ventriloquists and entertainers.
At age 6, his legs atrophied after contracting polio. When he was 12 or 13, he came across a magazine advertisement offering a ventriloquism kit for ten cents. Back at school, he asked his art teacher, Jero Magon, if he could receive class credit for creating a ventriloquist's dummy.
Magon was agreeable, and Winchell thanked him by naming his creation Jerry Mahoney. Winchell went back to reading magazines, gathering jokes from them and putting together a comedy routine, which he then took to the Major Bowes Amateur Hour in 1938, winning first prize.
A touring offer, playing various theaters with the Major Bowes Review, was part of the prize. Bandleader Ted Weems saw the young Winchell while on tour; he visited Winchell and made him an offer of employment. Winchell accepted and became a professional at age 14.
