LOS ANGELES (AP) - Walker Edmiston, an actor who was the voice of many cartoon and puppet characters, including Ernie the Keebler elf in TV commercials, has died. He was 81.
Edmiston died of complications from cancer at his home in Woodland Hills Feb. 15, said his daughter, Erin Edmiston. He worked up until becoming ill in January, she said.
Edmiston was born Feb. 6, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo., and moved to Los Angeles in 1947.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, Edmiston had a children's show on local television, "The Walker Edmiston Show," which featured his own puppets, including Kingsley the Lion and Ravenswood the Buzzard.
In the 1960s and 1970s, he voiced many characters on shows created by Sid and Marty Krofft, including Dr. Blinkey and Orson the Vulture on "H.R. Pufnstuf" and Sparky the Firefly on "Bugaloos."
Edmiston also had acting roles in episodes of such TV series as "Gunsmoke," "Mission: Impossible" and "The Dukes of Hazzard," and performed for nearly 20 years on "Adventures in Odyssey," a radio series produced by the nonprofit group Focus on the Family.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
In 1978 I met Walker and his wife Evelyn. I would start writing their daughter Andria soon after I’m finally meeting her in 1980. Walker was a very nice, kind man and I know that my second cousin Billy really missed him after his death. My heart goes out to Erin, relatives, and friends of this wonderful person.
HE will call and Walker will answer.
Pam Schultz (nee Lawson)
April 14, 2025 | Port Coquitlam, BC | Friend
Sorry condolences for your father Ernie. Joe if you remember me
Joe milovac
October 19, 2024 | Other
If some how he was related father in law James edmiston ridge farm ill
Sandra Edmiston
March 08, 2024 | Tilton, IL
You and Hal Smith are my favorite I will always miss y’all you both had a very large roll in my life since the 90s I listened to the Adventures in odyssey all my 25 years of life. I love y’all. Bye Tom. Say hi to whit for me.
Summer Garza
January 28, 2021 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
He will be miss by all...God is a God of all Comfort...My condolences..
September 02, 2019
Been listening to classic Adventures in Odyssey episodes recently. You and Hal Smith have had an amazing impact on my life, and I'm sure you'll continue impacting my children and their children. I hope to shake your hand in heaven someday, Mr. Riley. You are missed and loved. Sincerest condolences to your family, even 10 years on.
Joshua Lee
August 22, 2018 | Melbourne, FL
R E
January 09, 2016 | GA
Rip
May 05, 2015 | GA
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
February 15, 2015 | Alpharetta, GA