John Fiedler, a celebrated character actor whose gentle demeanor and distinctive voice graced both the small and big screens, passed away at the age of 80. Best known to audiences as Mr. Peterson, the perpetually anxious therapy patient on “The Bob Newhart Show,” and as the heartwarming voice of Piglet in Disney’s beloved “Winnie the Pooh” animations, Fiedler’s career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. This article delves into the life and career of John Fiedler Actor, celebrating his contributions to stage, film, and television.
Fiedler, a long-time resident of Brooklyn, succumbed to cancer on Saturday at the Lillian Booth Actor’s Fund Home in Englewood, N.J., where he had been receiving care since November, as confirmed by his brother, James. Throughout his extensive career, John Fiedler actor became a familiar face through his numerous roles, often portraying meek, mild-mannered characters, seemingly gentle men who occasionally hinted at a hidden mischievous side.
However, it was undeniably his breathy soprano voice that became the most instantly recognizable attribute of this short, balding, and often bespectacled actor. John Fiedler actor’s unique vocal quality was once aptly described as “the sound of an old child, tentative yet seasoned, breathless yet weary,” perfectly capturing the essence of many of his endearing characters.
“People will come up and say, ‘Gosh, I thought it was you,’ ” Fiedler once recounted to The Times, highlighting his face recognition challenges. “ ‘Then I heard your voice, and I knew.’ Nine times out of 10, they don’t know the name.” This anecdote underscores the profound impact of his voice, a signature element of John Fiedler actor’s persona.
Early in his career, after playing Medvedenko in a 1954 off-Broadway production of “The Sea-gull” alongside acting luminaries Montgomery Clift and Judith Evelyn, Fiedler recognized his path as a character actor. “With my voice and my looks, I got the milquetoast, nerd parts,” he shared with the Hartford Courant in 1996, acknowledging the niche he would expertly fill throughout his career as John Fiedler actor.
He notably portrayed Juror No. 2, the unassuming bank clerk, in Sidney Lumet’s seminal 1957 film adaptation of Reginald Rose’s courtroom drama “12 Angry Men,” featuring Henry Fonda. This role showcased his ability to bring depth and nuance to seemingly minor, yet pivotal characters.
Further solidifying his place in theatrical and cinematic history, John Fiedler actor played Vinnie, one of the poker-playing companions in both the original Broadway production and the movie adaptation of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.” His comedic timing and ability to embody relatable, everyday characters shone brightly in this role.
On Broadway, he also took on the significant role of the sole non-African American character in Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking 1959 drama “A Raisin in the Sun,” starring Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil. Fiedler became intrinsically linked to the character from the neighborhood “improvement association” who attempts to dissuade the black family from moving into his predominantly white, middle-class neighborhood. He reprised this role across numerous productions, including the 1961 film version, the 1986 off-Broadway revival, the 1986 Kennedy Center production, the 1987 touring company production, and the 1989 “American Playhouse” PBS adaptation, demonstrating his definitive portrayal of this complex character.
Throughout the years, John Fiedler actor graced countless films, including comedic gems like “Kiss Me, Stupid,” “That Touch of Mink,” and “The World of Henry Orient,” as well as the western classic “True Grit.” His television credits are equally extensive, encompassing appearances in iconic shows such as “Gunsmoke,” “Bewitched,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Star Trek,” illustrating his adaptability and enduring presence across genres.
His portrayal of the endearingly ineffective Mr. Peterson on “The Bob Newhart Show” in the 1970s spanned 17 memorable appearances, becoming one of his most recognized television roles. In the 1980s, he took on the role of Woody, the mousy stage manager in “Buffalo Bill,” a short-lived sitcom starring Dabney Coleman about an arrogant talk show host, further showcasing his talent for portraying nuanced supporting characters.
Born in Platteville, Wisconsin, in 1925, John Fiedler actor was the son of an Irish-German beer salesman. His family relocated to Shorewood, a Milwaukee suburb, when he was five. It was here that his passion for acting blossomed, staging productions in the family garage with neighborhood children, foreshadowing his future career.
After graduating high school in 1943, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving stateside. Following his military service, he moved to New York City and honed his craft at the Neighborhood Playhouse. In the early 1950s, Fiedler briefly stepped into the shoes of Homer on NBC Radio’s “The Aldrich Family,” gaining early experience in voice work.
His distinctive voice naturally led him to the world of animated films. James Fiedler recounted a story of Walt Disney hearing John Fiedler actor’s voice during casting for the 1968 theatrical short “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day” and declaring, “That’s Piglet.” This pivotal moment launched his four-decade-long association with the beloved character.
For over forty years, John Fiedler actor consistently provided the voice of Piglet in numerous features, shorts, TV series, specials, and videos. His final performance as Piglet was in “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie,” a feature film released in the same year as his passing, a testament to his enduring commitment to the role.
Jim Cummings, a long-time voice actor for Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, fondly remembered Fiedler, telling The Times, “He was a very, very sweet man, and when you’re that nice of a guy, it’s easy to play Piglet.” Cummings further elaborated on Fiedler’s vocal portrayal of Piglet: “It was kind of like the wind blowing through tall grass. It sounded homey, and it sounded comforting,” perfectly capturing the gentle and reassuring nature of Piglet’s voice that John Fiedler actor brought to life.
Beyond Piglet, John Fiedler actor lent his voice to characters in other Disney animated films such as “The Rescuers,” “Robin Hood,” and “The Fox and the Hound,” further cementing his legacy in animation.
Reflecting on his diverse roles, Fiedler once remarked to the Hartford Courant that “there are elements of Piglet that are me: the shyness and the anxieties and fears. Even after all these years. The more you know, the higher your standards are and the more you have to lose.” This insightful comment revealed a personal connection to the character that resonated deeply with audiences.
John Fiedler actor is survived by his brother, James, and his sister, Mary Dean, leaving behind a rich legacy as a talented and versatile character actor who touched the hearts of generations through his memorable performances and iconic voice work.
