Cliff Arquette
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Born Name:
Clifford Charles Arquette
Born Date: December 28, 1905
Born Place: Toledo, Ohio
Died Date: September 23, 1974
Died Place: Burbank, California
Occupations: Actor, comedian
Brief Biography: Clifford Charles Arquette was a prolific American actor and comedian, most famous for his folksy, wisecracking character Charley Weaver. As the patriarch of the Arquette show business family, he laid the foundation for a dynasty that includes his son Lewis and grandchildren Rosanna, Patricia, David, Richmond, and Alexis Arquette.
Career and "Charley Weaver":
Arquette's career spanned vaudeville, radio, and television. After a busy radio career where he once performed on 13 different daily shows, he briefly retired in 1956. His "big break" into national stardom came when Jack Paar asked "Whatever became of Cliff Arquette?" on The Tonight Show, prompting Arquette to return as Charley Weaver, the "wild old man from Mount Idy".
Charley Weaver: This persona became so popular that Arquette rarely appeared as himself in public. Clad in a squashed hat and rumpled clothes, he would read "Letters from Mamma," detailing the comedic mishaps of fictional townspeople like Elsie Krack and Ludlow Bean.
The Hollywood Squares: From 1966 until his death, Arquette was a permanent fixture in the lower-left square, known for his sharp one-liners and deadpan humor.
Other Roles: He famously portrayed the original Mrs. Butterworth in television commercials, appearing in drag but keeping his trademark mustache.
Inventions and Interests:
Beyond performance, Arquette was a multifaceted artist and historian:
Theatrical Masks: In the late 1930s, he invented the modern rubber theatrical prosthetic mask, which allowed for flexible facial expressions while being porous enough for the skin to breathe.
Civil War Historian: A dedicated Civil War buff, he opened the Charley Weaver Museum of the Civil War in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1959. The museum operated for decades before eventually closing in 2014.
Music: He was a skilled pianist, composer, and songwriter, collaborating with orchestras and recording novelty albums in character.
Born Date: December 28, 1905
Born Place: Toledo, Ohio
Died Date: September 23, 1974
Died Place: Burbank, California
Occupations: Actor, comedian
Brief Biography: Clifford Charles Arquette was a prolific American actor and comedian, most famous for his folksy, wisecracking character Charley Weaver. As the patriarch of the Arquette show business family, he laid the foundation for a dynasty that includes his son Lewis and grandchildren Rosanna, Patricia, David, Richmond, and Alexis Arquette.
Career and "Charley Weaver":
Arquette's career spanned vaudeville, radio, and television. After a busy radio career where he once performed on 13 different daily shows, he briefly retired in 1956. His "big break" into national stardom came when Jack Paar asked "Whatever became of Cliff Arquette?" on The Tonight Show, prompting Arquette to return as Charley Weaver, the "wild old man from Mount Idy".
Charley Weaver: This persona became so popular that Arquette rarely appeared as himself in public. Clad in a squashed hat and rumpled clothes, he would read "Letters from Mamma," detailing the comedic mishaps of fictional townspeople like Elsie Krack and Ludlow Bean.
The Hollywood Squares: From 1966 until his death, Arquette was a permanent fixture in the lower-left square, known for his sharp one-liners and deadpan humor.
Other Roles: He famously portrayed the original Mrs. Butterworth in television commercials, appearing in drag but keeping his trademark mustache.
Inventions and Interests:
Beyond performance, Arquette was a multifaceted artist and historian:
Theatrical Masks: In the late 1930s, he invented the modern rubber theatrical prosthetic mask, which allowed for flexible facial expressions while being porous enough for the skin to breathe.
Civil War Historian: A dedicated Civil War buff, he opened the Charley Weaver Museum of the Civil War in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1959. The museum operated for decades before eventually closing in 2014.
Music: He was a skilled pianist, composer, and songwriter, collaborating with orchestras and recording novelty albums in character.
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