Jackie Vernon (born Ralph Verrone; March 29, 1924 â€" November 10,
1987) was an American stand-up comedian, actor and voice actor, who is
best known for his role as the voice of Frosty the Snowman in the
Rankin/Bass Productions Christmas special Frosty the Snowman and its
sequel Frosty's Winter Wonderland.Jackie Vernon was born Ralph Verrone
on March 29, 1924 in New York City.Vernon was known for his gentle,
low-key delivery and self-deprecating humor. He has been hailed as
"The King of Deadpan." His signature opening line was, "To look at me
now, it's hard to believe I was once considered a dull guy."Early in
the 1950s, according to Dick Brooks, Vernon bounced around the country
working whatever stand-up comedy jobs he could find, mostly in strip
joints. Even then he had a unique style, often cracking up members of
the band with his inside humor. He decided to give New York a try, and
hung around Hanson's Drug Store, a place where small-time comedians
and acts in the theater section of New York would meet after making
the rounds of agents who had their offices in the area. He was picked
up by manager of comedian Willie Weber. In 1963, Steve Allen invited
Jackie to appear on his late-night television show, Celebrity Talent
Scouts, and his career went into overdrive.
1987) was an American stand-up comedian, actor and voice actor, who is
best known for his role as the voice of Frosty the Snowman in the
Rankin/Bass Productions Christmas special Frosty the Snowman and its
sequel Frosty's Winter Wonderland.Jackie Vernon was born Ralph Verrone
on March 29, 1924 in New York City.Vernon was known for his gentle,
low-key delivery and self-deprecating humor. He has been hailed as
"The King of Deadpan." His signature opening line was, "To look at me
now, it's hard to believe I was once considered a dull guy."Early in
the 1950s, according to Dick Brooks, Vernon bounced around the country
working whatever stand-up comedy jobs he could find, mostly in strip
joints. Even then he had a unique style, often cracking up members of
the band with his inside humor. He decided to give New York a try, and
hung around Hanson's Drug Store, a place where small-time comedians
and acts in the theater section of New York would meet after making
the rounds of agents who had their offices in the area. He was picked
up by manager of comedian Willie Weber. In 1963, Steve Allen invited
Jackie to appear on his late-night television show, Celebrity Talent
Scouts, and his career went into overdrive.
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