A photo of Digger O’Dell, “The Friendly Undertaker”! He was one of the supporting characters in the radio series “The Life of Riley”. Played by John Brown, the character appeared in the first TV version of the series which starred Jackie Gleason as Riley. However, Brown was blacklisted by the studios in the early 1950s, so that when the second “Life of Riley” TV series was made (this time starring the actor who played the character on radio, William Bendix) neither Brown nor the character that he played was part of the show. John Brown died in 1957 at age 53.
Maybe we can stay on track for a celebration of the 101st anniversary. Last year’s arc got hijacked with all those irrelevant characters who added nothing – but detracted much – from the joys of GA (in my humble opinion).
There is a Wiki article that lists the old characters and their fate. I believe Gabe died “off screen”. Nina is Skeezix’s wife and is seen regularly in the strip. She was last seen as one of the carolers in the Christmas day strip. (She’s standing directly above Joel from our point of view.)
Dirty Dragon over 4 years ago
Walter Weatherby Wallet… born circa 1900.
Long may he wave.
pschearer Premium Member over 4 years ago
Many Happy Returns!
bmckee over 4 years ago
A photo of Digger O’Dell, “The Friendly Undertaker”! He was one of the supporting characters in the radio series “The Life of Riley”. Played by John Brown, the character appeared in the first TV version of the series which starred Jackie Gleason as Riley. However, Brown was blacklisted by the studios in the early 1950s, so that when the second “Life of Riley” TV series was made (this time starring the actor who played the character on radio, William Bendix) neither Brown nor the character that he played was part of the show. John Brown died in 1957 at age 53.
Zepher over 4 years ago
Golly, it IS good to see Walt, and see that he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. Thanks, Jim!
cocavan11 over 4 years ago
The allusion to Dorian Gray was inspired and inspiring.
Darryl Heine over 4 years ago
Is next year or the year after slated to be the 100th. anniversary of the debut of Skeezix?
TracyFan 65 over 4 years ago
“My mind keeps writing checks my body can’t cash.” Love it. One of Walt’s best lines!
blairleroys Premium Member over 4 years ago
A 2000 strip says that Walt was born in 1899. Does anyone know how many Ballew sisters there are?
pony21 Premium Member over 4 years ago
Maybe we can stay on track for a celebration of the 101st anniversary. Last year’s arc got hijacked with all those irrelevant characters who added nothing – but detracted much – from the joys of GA (in my humble opinion).
LukeJavan8 Premium Member over 4 years ago
anybody ever wonder what happened to others in the strip like Gabe, Nina Clock, et. al.?
Jan C over 4 years ago
There is a Wiki article that lists the old characters and their fate. I believe Gabe died “off screen”. Nina is Skeezix’s wife and is seen regularly in the strip. She was last seen as one of the carolers in the Christmas day strip. (She’s standing directly above Joel from our point of view.)
BlitzMcD over 4 years ago
If it wasn’t for the spelling of her last name, I’d wonder if she was related to country music legend Carl Belew…..