Jesse Ventura
American professional wrestler and 38th governor of Minnesota (born 1951)
Jonathan Winters was a beloved American comedian, actor, and artist who had a prolific career spanning over six decades. He won numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards and a Primetime Emmy, and was known for his eccentric characters and improv skills that delighted audiences on TV, in films, and through his stand-up performances and comedy albums.
Table of Contents
About the Jonathan Winters
Jonathan Harshman Winterswas an American comedian, actor, author, television host, and artist. He started performing as a stand up comedian before transitioning his career to acting in film and television. Winters received numerous accolades including two Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, the American Academy of Achievement in 1973, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1999.
Beginning in 1960, Winters recorded many classic comedy albums for the Verve Records label including The Wonderful World of Jonathan WintersCalls in 1996.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Winters also appeared in hundreds of television shows and films, including eccentric characters on The Steve Allen Show, The Garry Moore Show, The Wacky World of Jonathan Wintersand The Smurfs 2 (2013).
Winters died nine days after recording his dialogue for The Smurfs 2; the film was dedicated to his memory. Winters also spent time painting and presenting his artwork, including silkscreens and sketches, in many gallery shows. He authored several books including his book of short stories entitled Winters’ Tales (1988).
Frequently Asked Questions
Jonathan Winters was an American comedian, actor, author, television host, and artist who started his career as a stand-up comedian before transitioning to film and television acting.
Jonathan Winters won two Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also received the American Academy of Achievement in 1973 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1999.
Jonathan Winters appeared in hundreds of TV shows and films, including eccentric characters on The Steve Allen Show, The Garry Moore Show, Mork & Mindy, and Hee Haw. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in the 1963 comedy film It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
Winters voiced Grandpa Smurf on The Smurfs TV series from 1986 to 1989, and later voiced Papa Smurf in The Smurfs (2011) and The Smurfs 2 (2013), introducing him to a new generation of fans.
In addition to his acting and comedy work, Jonathan Winters spent time painting and presenting his artwork, including silkscreens and sketches, in many gallery shows. He also authored several books, including a collection of short stories called Winters’ Tales.
Winters recorded many classic comedy albums for the Verve Records label, including The Wonderful World of Jonathan Winters (1960), and received 11 Grammy nominations, winning two Grammy Awards over the course of his decades-long career.
Jonathan Winters died on April 11, 2013, just nine days after recording his dialogue for The Smurfs 2, which was dedicated to his memory.