Chuck McCann
A rubber-faced comedian and master of voices who became a beloved, chaotic fixture of children's television and cult parody records.
1934–2018 (age 84)·American actor·Birthday: September 2·The Silent Generation
Biography
Chuck McCann was a human cartoon. With a face made for mugging and a voice box that seemed to contain a full cast of characters, he burst out of local New York TV in the 1960s. His show was a joyous, low-budget riot of improv, puppetry, and silent comedy homages. He didn't just host; he became the characters—most famously the silent, heart-tugging clown 'The Great Boodini.' McCann's talents stretched far beyond the kiddie sphere. He was a pioneer of the comedy record parody, crafting hilarious send-ups of popular songs and commercials. His voice acting career was vast, from the 'Heyyyy, it's the King!' corn chip commercials to roles in animated series like 'Fantastic Four.' A genuine fan of classic comedy, he befriended and championed legends like Laurel and Hardy. McCann's career was a testament to pure, uncynical showmanship, leaving a legacy of laughter across multiple generations and mediums.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Chuck was born in 1934, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chuck Was Born
The biggest hits of 1934
#1 Movie
It Happened One Night
Best Picture
It Happened One Night
Chuck's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1934Born
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1939Started school
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1947Became a teenager
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1950Could drive
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1952Could vote
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1955Turned 21
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1964Turned 30
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 40
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 50
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 60
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 70
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 80
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2018Died at 84
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
Key Achievements
- Starred in the nationally syndicated 'The Chuck McCann Show,' a pioneering and anarchic children's program in the 1960s.
- Created the iconic silent clown character 'The Great Boodini,' a staple of his television performances.
- Recorded a series of successful comedy parody albums, including send-ups of popular music and commercials.
- Had a prolific career as a voice actor, contributing to numerous cartoons, commercials, and films, including the 'Church Lady' voice on Saturday Night Live.
Did You Know?
He was a close friend and biographer of comedy legend Oliver Hardy of Laurel and Hardy.
McCann was an accomplished amateur magician and member of The Magic Castle.
He provided the voice for the 'Son of Svengoolie' character in the 1970s horror host show.
Early in his career, he was a page at NBC and appeared as an extra on 'The Howdy Doody Show.'
“I just wanted to make people laugh, to be a friend on their TV.”
