LAS VEGAS (AP) - Charlie Callas, a versatile comedian whose zany faces and antics made him a regular for more than four decades on television, in films and on casino stages, has died in Las Vegas. He was 83.
Callas died Thursday at a hospice, according to his sons Mark Callas and Larry Callas.
Callas was a rubber-faced, wiry framed comic whose rapid-fire delivery drew laughs and made him a frequent guest on variety and comedy shows.
"Everybody that met him, he left them with a smile," Mark Callas said.
For years, Charlie Callas made Johnny Carson laugh on the "Tonight Show." But Carson banned him from returning after Callas shoved Carson off his chair in a bid for laughs in 1982.
Mark Callas said his father knew every member of the Rat Pack, a group of actors that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford.
Callas toured with Sinatra and Tom Jones, had a role with Jerry Lewis in the movie "The Big Mouth" in 1967, and was a guest on TV variety shows hosted by Jackie Gleason, Ed Sullivan, Merv Griffin, Andy Williams and Flip Wilson. Callas guest-hosted on the "Joey Bishop Show."
He also played restaurant owner Malcolm Argos in the 1970s TV series "Switch" with Robert Wagner and Eddie Albert, and had roles in Mel Brooks' films "High Anxiety" and "History of the World: Part I." He was also the voice of Elliot, the dragon in Disney's "Pete's Dragon."
Callas grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and served in the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II before beginning a career as a drummer with big bands starring Tommy Dorsey and Buddy Rich.
He was a natural comic, and it wasn't long before he gave up drumming for standup routines. He dropped a vowel from his legal name, Callias, when he took to the stage.
"He was just messing around with the guys and it worked, I guess," Mark Callas said.
He was Charlie Callas when he made his first television appearance in 1963 on the "Hollywood Palace" variety show.
Mark Callas, who produces the "American Superstars" celebrity impersonators show in Las Vegas, said he encouraged his parents to move to Las Vegas from New York in 2002.
Larry Callas said the death of his mother, Evelyn Callas in July at age 80, broke his father's heart.
Funeral arrangments were being made at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Was just watching the Big Mouth and decided to look up Charlie and found out he was gone, sorry to hear that, he was a very talented and funny entertainer who will be missed but blessed are we to still be able to see the many films great times and all the laughs forever memorialized through film,
Michael Sinclair
September 16, 2024
I met Mr. Callas on several occasions when I worked at Centaur Firearms in Lodi, NJ in the early 70's. Of course I knew of his celebrity. He was an hilarious comedian! Most of all he was a lovely and warm man who was very giving of his time to just an ordinary kid in his early 20's.
Mark Folineo
June 24, 2024 | Work
Mr. Charlie Calla trick shooter
May 24, 2024
My condolence to the callas family. I met your father and your mother couple months before they pass away. Mr. Charley Callas and his wife, Evelyn Callas. how many people known about Charley Callas How many people? How many people known Charley Callas is a marksmanship and showmanship . He did shows at Caesars Palace . Please contact me, MARK Callas
Cheyenne
May 24, 2024 | Other
what a wonderful comedian
beverly lawrence
April 26, 2022 | Other
Thank you Charlie from the bottom of my heart. You made my life better. I still watch videos of you and laugh as hard as ever. My eternal gratitude for your wonderful comedy. Love you.
Bruce Austin
June 23, 2021 | West Plains, MO | Acquaintance
I was reviewing my father's discography, and found out that Mr. Callas played drums for my father, and they appeared together on the Arthur Godfrey Talent Search show in 1958. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I have numerous photos and even the Arthur Godfrey show's original record. Would love to share if desired. Many Blessings, and again am sorry to hear this news.
Charles May II
June 28, 2019 | Honolulu, HI | Acquaintance
Sorry to say, I never met the man. He wasn't exactly in my time. But I see so much of him in myself the way I perform and even just go about my day making people laugh at anything, right out of thin air. Charlie was very underrated as far as I'm concerned and never got nearly enough air time as he did. And only this year, did I even know that he not only played the drums, but he was a master at it. Far better than many of those who are referred to as the best. He was an unsung hero when it...
Bobby Sherwood
September 06, 2018 | Newburgh, NY
Valenda Newell
February 28, 2017 | Indianapolis, IN