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Fred Travalena
Fred Travalena
Fred Travalena
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Frederick Albert Travalena III[1] (October 6, 1942 – June 28, 2009) was an American entertainer, specializing in comedy and impressions.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Bronx, New York-born and Long Island-raised,[2] Travalena moved to Los Angeles and developed a multifaceted career with his characterizations of visible public figures.

Career

[edit]

His television credits began in the 1970s, as a regular performer on The ABC Comedy Hour, where he once did a split screen impression of John Lennon on one side and Paul McCartney on the other, and the Dean Martin roasts. He had several voice credits on cartoons, as well as appearances on nationally broadcast children's programs.

Travelena made many guest appearances on game shows and dramatic programs in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. In the mid-1980s he hosted the game show Anything for Money (1984–85), a game where contestants attempted to guess how much money it would take an ordinary, unsuspecting person to participate in a silly stunt.

In 1978, Travalena portrayed Top-40 DJ "Mad Man" Mancuso in The Buddy Holly Story, starring Gary Busey in the title role.

Among his guest appearances on game shows, he was on Password Plus, hosted by Tom Kennedy, with Dallas star and The Huggabug Club star Audrey Landers, as well as Super Password and Body Language, hosted by Tom Kennedy and Bert Convy, and appeared on Match Game and Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour several times.

In 1982, Travalena played Bogey Orangutan (in his Humphrey Bogart voice) from Shirt Tales. He also voiced Dreamy Smurf on The Smurfs.

In 1989, Travelena played Elvis Presley and Mr. Gibbel of the Chippie Chipmunks group in a comedy sketch as part of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!. For the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade later that year, he portrayed the Joker.[3] He guest starred in the series premiere of the short-lived 1991 sitcom Good Sports with Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett. After an actor impersonated Michael Jackson during the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards to accept the Best Alternative Music Video award on behalf of Nirvana, presenter Dana Carvey bemusedly joked, "Fred Travalena does an amazing Michael Jackson!"[4]

In 1993, Travalena hosted the game show Baby Races, which aired on the Family Channel for 26 episodes from September 12, 1993 to March 6, 1994.

Between 1998 and 2000, he voiced Julius Caesar (with a voice that was an impression of Frank Sinatra), William Clark, Marc Antony (both with an impression of Dean Martin), President Gerald Ford and many others on the Kids' WB's animated series Histeria!.[5]

He appeared at casino theaters in Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City, as well as performing arts theaters, cruise ships, and private "in-concert" performances. He took part in a U.S.O. tour to entertain troops overseas, and was honored in 2004 by Club Italia with a Merit Achievement Award for his contributions to society.[citation needed] Also in 2004, he appeared on Bananas Comedy.

On February 3, 2005, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.[6]

Death

[edit]

Travalena was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2002 and prostate cancer in 2003. Following five years' remission, the lymphoma returned in 2008. Travalena died on June 28, 2009, at his home in Encino, California.[7]

During his life, he and his wife credited his battle with cancer as a challenge of their Christian faith and a way to help others overcome the same conditions.[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Fred Travalena

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Fred Travalena (October 6, 1942 – June 28, 2009) was an American entertainer renowned for his comedy impressions, voice work, and singing, mastering over 360 distinct voices ranging from celebrities like and to cartoon characters such as . Born Frederick Albert Travalena III in , New York, to Italian and Irish parents, he grew up on and was influenced by his father's unfulfilled dreams of show business, beginning impressions as a child after mimicking singer Johnny Ray. Travalena's career took off in the early 1970s as an impressionist, starting with performances at catered events on before serving in the U.S. Army Special Services during the era as an entertainer. He gained prominence headlining in casinos, including opening for at the MGM Grand, and became a frequent guest on late-night shows like The Tonight Show Starring and . His television credits included starring in specials such as The Many Faces of Fred Travalena, guest spots on series like and , hosting the 1980s Anything for Money, and voice roles in animated projects. Travalena also performed on cruise ships, in Atlantic City and Reno, and at private events, earning a star on the in 2005 for his contributions to live theater and television. In 2002, Travalena was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, achieving remission in 2003 before the cancer returned in 2008; he continued performing until his death on June 28, 2009, in Encino, , at age 66. He was married to Lois Schwaber since 1970, with whom he had two sons, Fred IV and Cory, and was survived by a granddaughter, Sophia.

Early life

Upbringing in New York

Frederick Albert Travalena III was born on October 6, 1942, in the , New York, to parents of Italian and Irish heritage. He was raised in a working-class family, with his father working as an ink salesman who harbored unfulfilled dreams of becoming an entertainer. Travalena spent much of his childhood on , New York, where his family's modest circumstances shaped his early years. His father, described in some accounts as a former entertainer himself, played a pivotal role in exposing him to the world of performance through , , and at local church shows. This familial influence introduced Travalena to from a young age, fostering his innate talent amid the everyday challenges of a blue-collar upbringing. As a child, Travalena displayed an early aptitude for , often imitating the voices of radio personalities and celebrities to entertain those around him. He particularly admired impressionists and drew inspiration from figures like singer Johnny Ray, whose style he replicated as a kid. In high school, he became known as a class cutup for mimicking teachers and using impressions—such as those of cartoon characters like or novelty voices like a Martian—to navigate , including dealing with bullies. These childhood experiences at local events and within his community laid the groundwork for his lifelong passion for .

Initial entry into entertainment

In the early 1970s, following his U.S. Army service where he won the All-Army Entertainment Award for best singer and began incorporating into his singing act, Fred Travalena relocated from New York to to pursue a professional career in . Having briefly considered after high school, he was ultimately drawn to by his lifelong passion for performance, influenced by his father's background as a singer and impressionist. Building on the mimicry talents he had shown as a child, Travalena's earliest professional steps involved amateur performances and spontaneous open-mic experiences. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he continued these entry-level outings at local comedy clubs, honing his stage presence amid the vibrant entertainment scene. At one point, he and his wife Lois, with whom he performed as a singing duo, appeared at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., where she surprised him by asking the audience if they wanted to hear impressions; he then performed those of celebrities like Dean Martin, Paul Lynde, and Jim Nabors, receiving enthusiastic responses that encouraged his comedic direction. Travalena developed his impressionist style through dedicated practice, studying the vocal inflections and mannerisms of prominent figures to create versatile characterizations that blended seamlessly with his singing. Early examples included mimics of Presidents and , as well as entertainers from the era, allowing him to stand out in competitive settings. These foundational efforts led to initial small gigs at resorts and catered events, where he forged connections with fellow performers, including being spotted by impressionist at a Catskills hotel performance that foreshadowed future opportunities in the industry.

Career

Television and hosting work

Travalena's television career began in the 1970s as a regular performer on The ABC Comedy Hour, where he showcased his impressionist talents, including a notable split-screen routine mimicking . He also gained prominence through appearances on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, delivering impressions of celebrities such as and , which helped establish him as a versatile comedian in broadcast media. In the mid-1980s, Travalena hosted the syndicated Anything for Money from September 1984 to April 1985, with repeats airing until September 1985. The format involved contestants predicting the minimum amount of cash required to convince ordinary pedestrians to perform humorous or embarrassing stunts, announced by ; the show emphasized lighthearted, candid camera-style antics but was short-lived due to modest ratings. Travalena returned to hosting in 1993 with Baby Races on the Family Channel, which ran for 26 episodes until March 1994. This family-oriented featured parents their infants through courses and playful challenges, such as sandbox golf or cow-catching games, with as announcer and roaming interviewer; it received mixed reception for its novelty but was criticized as overly chaotic and ended after its brief run. He starred in the 1987 television special The Many Faces of Fred Travalena, which was nominated for an ACE Award for best cable comedy special. Travalena also made guest appearances on series such as Fantasy Island and Murphy Brown. Throughout his career, Travalena made recurring guest spots on late-night talk shows, including multiple appearances on The Tonight Show, where he performed impressions of U.S. presidents like Richard Nixon and crooners such as Frank Sinatra. In animated television, Travalena provided additional voices for across two episodes between 1981 and 1986, contributing to the series' ensemble of character sounds. He later voiced multiple historical figures in Histeria!, including , , , and Marc Antony, from 1998 to 2000, enhancing the educational comedy's satirical sketches.

Film, voice acting, and impressions

Travalena made his feature film debut in the 1978 biographical drama , where he portrayed the energetic Top-40 "Madman" Mancuso. In a key scene, Mancuso excitedly attempts to broadcast Buddy Holly's breakthrough single "" from a New York radio station, only to be interrupted by his boss, capturing the era's rock 'n' roll radio frenzy. The film, directed by Steve Rash and starring as Holly, received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of early history, earning Busey an Award nomination for and praise from reviewers like for its energetic depiction of the music scene, in which Travalena's lively DJ role contributed to the authentic period atmosphere. Beyond live-action film, Travalena built a notable career in for animated projects, leveraging his impression skills to bring diverse characters to life. In the animated series Histeria! (1998–2000), he provided voices for multiple historical figures across 13 episodes, including , , Marc Antony, and , often infusing them with exaggerated comedic flair to fit the show's educational parody style. Earlier, in 's Shirt Tales (1982), Travalena voiced the wisecracking Bogey Orangutan, channeling a impression for the anthropomorphic animal detective. These roles showcased Travalena's versatility in , where his vocal range allowed seamless shifts between human-like figures and fantastical beings. Travalena's signature work as an impressionist centered on a vast repertoire exceeding 360 celebrity, political, and cartoon voices, developed through meticulous vocal and physical mimicry that transformed his pliant facial expressions to match each persona. Among his most renowned impressions were , with his signature snarling intensity; , capturing the loony tunes rabbit's sly Brooklyn accent and rapid-fire wit; , replicating the pop icon's high-pitched falsetto and rhythmic phrasing; , evoking the ' melodic Liverpudlian drawl; and , nailing the King's Southern drawl and hip-shaking charisma. Other standout impressions included Ronald Reagan's authoritative baritone, Arnold Schwarzenegger's thick Austrian accent, Robert De Niro's gritty intensity, Sean Connery's Scottish rumble, Clint Eastwood's laconic growl, and Sammy Davis Jr.'s smooth showmanship. His impressionist style evolved from an initial focus on , where he began incorporating occasional voices and sound effects into performances during his early club days in the , gradually shifting as audiences responded more enthusiastically to the mimicry than the songs. Travalena honed his craft through rigorous practice, studying film clips and recordings to dissect vocal inflections, breathing patterns, and mannerisms, then integrating physical gestures—like Nicholson's arched eyebrow or Bunny's carrot-chomping—for full embodiment. This approach distinguished his cartoon impressions, which emphasized exaggerated elasticity and whimsy, from human celebrity ones that prioritized subtle psychological nuances, allowing him to blend voices into medleys or narratives in recorded media.

Live performances and stage career

Travalena established himself as a prominent figure in live during the , headlining showroom performances at major casino theaters in , Reno, and Atlantic City. Over the subsequent three decades, he maintained long-running residencies in these venues, captivating audiences with his versatile impressions, including crowd favorites such as presidential figures that highlighted his comedic timing and vocal mimicry. For instance, in June 1989, he opened his engagement at the Westbury Music Fair in New York by impersonating President , blending with song to engage theatergoers. Beyond domestic circuits, Travalena dedicated significant efforts to entertaining through USO tours, performing for troops stationed overseas to boost . Notable among these were his participation in a 1999 holiday tour to U.S. forces in alongside other entertainers, as well as a later visit to Bosnia and . These tours underscored his commitment to live performance in challenging environments, where he adapted his repertoire of over 300 impressions to resonate with service members far from home. Travalena's stage work also encompassed a wide array of settings, including theaters, clubs, and cruise ships, often in intimate "in-concert" formats that allowed for direct audience interaction. His collaborations with fellow performers enhanced these appearances, contributing to dynamic shows that toured nationally and internationally. In acknowledgment of his enduring impact on live entertainment, Travalena was awarded a star on the in the Live Performance category on February 3, 2005, positioned at 6255 in . The previous year, on February 28, 2004, he received the Merit Achievement Award from Club Italia, recognizing his broader societal contributions through entertainment.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Fred Travalena married Travalena in 1970 after meeting her during his U.S. Army service at , , where she worked as a secretary and auditioned for a play in which he was involved through special services. The couple, who initially performed together as a duo, shared a partnership that blended professional collaboration with personal commitment, lasting nearly four decades until his death. They had two sons: Cory James Travalena and Frederick Albert Travalena IV. Both sons have honored their father's legacy through public tributes, with occasional involvement in entertainment events alongside him during his career. The family included a granddaughter, Sophia. The family resided in Encino, , where Travalena balanced his extensive touring and performance schedule with home life, often crediting for providing stability amid the demands of . This support extended to key milestones, such as the 2005 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, where and their sons joined him to celebrate the honor for his live theatre achievements.

Religious faith and philanthropy

Travalena was raised in the but later accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, marking a significant conversion that deepened his commitment to evangelical . This shift profoundly shaped his worldview, infusing his entertainment career with a sense of purpose rooted in faith, as he often credited his creative talents and resilience to . In interviews, he publicly affirmed his beliefs, stating that his Italian-Irish heritage contributed to his artistic gifts, while his spiritual journey provided a foundation for ethical decision-making in Hollywood. Faith played a central role in Travalena's approach to life's challenges, including career pressures from the demanding entertainment industry and personal health struggles. He described drawing closer to during difficult periods, relying on and Scripture for strength, noting, "This was a time that I got close to the ." Travalena emphasized the power of in maintaining , asserting, " works," as a means to navigate uncertainties without delving into despair. This spiritual outlook not only sustained him professionally but also motivated him to use his platform for encouragement, viewing his impressions and humor as gifts to uplift others. Travalena's philanthropy was deeply intertwined with his Christian convictions, particularly in pro-life and support for . Motivated by what he described as a divine calling—"The put the issue of on his heart"—he sponsored Babies Are Important, a pro-life organization dedicated to protecting unborn children and promoting alternatives to . He also participated in telethons for causes such as research and St. Jude Children's Hospital, earning recognition as Angel of the Year in 1987 for his . Additionally, Travalena participated in multiple USO tours, including performances for troops in the in 2005 and in 1999, entertaining service members overseas as an expression of and service aligned with his faith-driven of . His involvement extended to faith-inspired events, such as attending the MOVIEGUIDE® Awards Gala to support media that aligned with Christian values.

Illness and death

Cancer diagnoses and treatments

In 2002, Fred Travalena was diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after experiencing abdominal swelling the size of a loaf of bread, initially mistaken for a pulled muscle, which was confirmed through X-rays. He began chemotherapy treatment shortly thereafter, which reduced the tumor significantly within one month and led to a declaration of being disease-free by his doctors, achieving remission by early 2003. Approximately five months later, later in 2003, Travalena received a diagnosis of following a rising PSA count detected during routine monitoring. He underwent to remove the , during which all detectable cancer was excised, resulting in complete remission; subsequent care included shots and monitoring every nine months to manage any potential recurrence. The remained in remission for five years until its aggressive return in July 2008, prompting renewed medical consultations and a decision to pursue further therapies based on expert evaluations of the disease's progression. Treatment from that point involved intermittent and additional modalities to combat the recurrence, though specific regimens were tailored to his condition's advancement.

Final years and passing

In early , Travalena's health continued to decline following the recurrence of his non-Hodgkin's in July 2008, after which he underwent ongoing treatments including , , and . He passed away at his home in Encino, , on June 28, 2009, at the age of 66, surrounded by family, with the official cause being the recurrence of non-Hodgkin's . Private funeral services were held in the week following his death, with a public memorial service planned but details not publicly specified at the time. His publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed the passing and noted Travalena's resilience through treatments, stating, "Since that time, he has been in and out of treatment, consisting of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation." Colleagues paid tribute to his talent and spirit; impressionist Rich Little described him as "a great guy with a great sense of humor" and highlighted their recent conversations, while singer Clint Holmes, a close friend and godfather to one of Travalena's sons, recalled visiting him shortly before his death and witnessing his enduring wit, such as performing a Robert De Niro impression amid illness. Comedians Gordie Brown and ventriloquist Terry Fator also lauded his influence on Las Vegas entertainment and his mastery of impressions. Obituaries emphasized Travalena's lasting legacy as a headliner, crediting him with decades of performances that solidified his status as a staple since the 1970s and inspired fellow impressionists. He was survived by his wife of 39 years, ; sons Fred IV and ; daughter-in-law Kelly; and granddaughter Sophia.

References

  1. https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-fred-travalena30-2009jun30-story.html
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/arts/television/30travalena.html
  3. https://walkoffame.com/fred-travalena/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0871239/bio/
  5. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/06/30/fred-travalena-1942-2009/
  6. https://cbn.com/article/not-selected/fred-travalena-making-good-impression
  7. https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/impressionist-fred-travalena-passes
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/04/nyregion/watch-his-lips-but-it-s-not-bush.html
  9. https://gameshows.fandom.com/wiki/Fred_Travalena
  10. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/impressionist-travalena-dead-at-66/
  11. https://gameshows.fandom.com/wiki/Anything_for_Money
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0198053/
  13. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/impressionist-fred-travalena-dies-85934/
  14. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/9746-baby-races
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z1YTet1B2U
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3141956/
  17. https://www.dailynews.com/2009/06/29/impressionist-fred-travalena-was-66/
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRnz1WDk8BM
  19. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Fred-Travalena/
  20. https://dvdizzy.com/buddyhollystory.html
  21. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Histeria/
  22. https://hanna-barbera.fandom.com/wiki/Fred_Travalena
  23. https://cbn.com/article/not-selected/fred-travalena-man-thousand-faces
  24. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/an-impressionable-kind-of-guy/
  25. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-02-me-6006-story.html
  26. https://victoriaadvocate.com/2009/06/30/impressionist-fred-travalena-dies-at-66/
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0RcGUTIaoM
  28. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfZrd8CJaOG/
  29. https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/fred-travalena-honored-with-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame-for-his
  30. https://www.facebook.com/Retrovision/posts/frederick-albert-fred-travalena-iii-october-6-1942-june-28-2009-died-9-years-ago/2208167232745271/
  31. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-11-vw-13038-story.html
  32. https://www.foxnews.com/story/guests-and-topics-for-july-2-3
  33. https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/fondly-remembering-fred-travalena.html
  34. https://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/29/fred.travalena.dies/
  35. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/impressionist-las-vegas-headliner-fred-travalena-dies/
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