John Fiedler: The Voice of Piglet and a Legacy of Iconic Roles
A Recognizable Voice and a Career Spanning over 55 Years
John Fiedler was an American actor known for his distinctive, high-pitched voice and a career that spanned over 55 years in stage, film, television, and radio. He was typecast early on for delicate, quiet, and nerdy characters, but also played sneaky villains, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The Early Years
Born on February 3, 1925, in Platteville, Wisconsin, Fiedler was the son of a beer salesman, Donald Fiedler, and his wife, Margaret (née Phelan). He was of German and Irish descent. His family moved to Shorewood, Wisconsin, when he was five, where he graduated from Shorewood High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served until the end of World War II.
A Career in Acting
After his discharge from the Navy, Fiedler moved to Manhattan, New York City, where he attended the Neighborhood Playhouse. His classmates included
Tony Randall,
James Doohan,
Leslie Nielsen,
Richard Boone, and
Joanne Woodward. He began his acting career on the radio, appearing as Homer Brown on the comedy series
The Aldrich Family. He then transitioned to television, playing Cadet Alfie Higgins on the 1950s show
Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.
Notable Roles and Typecasting
Fiedler's breakthrough role came in 1957 when he played Juror 2 in the iconic film
12 Angry Men. This role, along with his portrayal of the benign-seeming gentleman in
A Raisin in the Sun (1961), solidified his typecasting as a delicate and quiet character. However, he also played against type, appearing as the presidential assassin in an episode of
I Spy, a school principal moonlighting as a pimp on
Vegas, and Mr. Hengist, a Chief Administrator possessed by the spirit of Jack the Ripper in the original
Star Trek episode "Wolf in the Fold" (1967).
The Voice of Piglet
One of Fiedler's most iconic roles was as the voice of Piglet in Disney's
Winnie the Pooh productions. He voiced the character in numerous films, television shows, and shorts, becoming synonymous with the lovable and timid pig.
Television and Film Credits
Fiedler's extensive credits include:
- The Odd Couple (1968) - Vinnie, one of Oscar's poker cronies
- The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978) - Emil Peterson, the henpecked milquetoast husband
- Gunsmoke (1969) - Reverend Sims
- The Munsters (1965) - Henrietta's Uncle
Awards and Legacy
Fiedler's contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on
The Bob Newhart Show. His iconic voice and memorable performances continue to delight audiences, ensuring his legacy as a beloved character actor.
Personal Life and Later Years
Fiedler passed away on June 25, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles and a career that spanned over five decades. His personal life was marked by a quiet demeanor, mirroring the characters he often portrayed on screen. Despite his typecasting, Fiedler's range and versatility as an actor ensured his enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
