Jack Metzger

Metzger, Jack actor, writer, TV personality, puppeteer, and teacher died on Jan 5. He lived at the Palace. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. and a Miami resident since 1951, he was 81. A graduate of the University of Miami's Radio- TV-Film Department, he was Continuity .Director at WTHS-FM (now WLRN) and writer/teacher at the Dramatic Academy on Miami Beach before joining the UM broadcast faculty teaching performance, writing and production for 14 years. He was a puppeteer and first appeared on television at Channel 10 as Captain Jack in the daily children's series, Banjo Billy's Funboat, (1961-69), which led to his role as Mr. Jackson, first on The Learning Ladder (1970) then Arthur & Company (1971-91) where he was also its writer, puppeteer and the voices for over 20 characters in Camma Ward Krewer's puppet cast. This syndicated Emmy Award winning series won two National Action For Children's Television Awards resulting in the show being placed on permanent file in the National Museum of Television and Radio honoring excellence in television with branches in both NY and LA. As a member of AFTRA he filled other on-air roles at Channel 10 and was recipient of the Sliver Circle Award presented by NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) acknowledging his longtime career. As an Actors' Equity Association stage actor he was an original member of the Players Repertory Theatre located at the Museum of Science (before It became a state theater at the Coconut Grove Playhouse), appearing In many of its productions, among which were Oh Coward!, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Blithe Spirit. He also appeared on other stages locally and nationally including seven consecutive summers as professional guest artist at the UM's Ring Theatre where his roles included The Devil in Damn Yankees, Fagin in Oliver!, and Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came To Dinner. For 14 years he was Creative Services Director at the Dade County Fair & Exposition. He is survived by a sister, Ruth Metzger, of Lakeland.Donations to Zoological Society of Fl. 12400 Southwest 152 St Miami , Fl 33177