Arnold Stang
Actor
About Arnold Stang
Arnold Stang was an American character actor and voice artist whose career spanned over six decades in entertainment. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1918, Stang began his career in radio during the 1930s before transitioning to film and television. He developed a distinctive persona characterized by his nasal voice, nervous energy, and portrayals of anxious, bookish characters. His breakthrough came with supporting roles in major films like 'The Man with the Golden Arm' (1955) opposite Frank Sinatra. Stang found particular success in voice acting, most famously as the voice of Top Cat in the Hanna-Barbera animated series. He became a familiar face in television commercials, especially his long-running campaign for Chunky candy bars. Throughout his career, Stang appeared in over 100 films and television shows, maintaining steady work as a reliable character actor until his death in 2009 at age 91.
The Craft
On Screen
Stang specialized in playing nervous, anxious, and intellectual characters with a distinctive nasal delivery. His physical comedy often involved exaggerated gestures and facial expressions that complemented his high-pitched voice. He excelled at portraying the 'little guy' character who was often smarter than he appeared, using timing and verbal wit rather than physical presence. His style was consistently characterized by rapid-fire delivery and a perpetually worried demeanor that became his trademark.
Milestones
- Radio career in the 1930s
- Breakthrough role in 'The Man with the Golden Arm' (1955)
- Voice of Top Cat in Hanna-Barbera series (1961-1962)
- Long-running Chunky candy bar commercials
- Co-starring role in 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' (1963)
- Appeared in 'Hercules in New York' (1970) with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series (1955)
Nominated
- Emmy Award for 'The Milton Berle Show' (1955)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1976)
- Voice acting legacy recognized by animation historians
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Arnold Stang made a significant impact on American popular culture through his distinctive voice and character portrayals. His work as Top Cat created one of animation's most memorable characters, influencing generations of voice actors and animators. The Chunky candy bar commercials he starred in became cultural touchstones, with his catchphrase 'What a chunk o' chocolate!' entering the American lexicon. Stang helped establish the template for the 'neurotic sidekick' character type in film and television, paving the way for actors like Woody Allen and Richard Lewis. His ability to find success across multiple media—radio, film, television, animation, and commercials—demonstrated the versatility required for longevity in entertainment.
Lasting Legacy
Arnold Stang's legacy endures through his iconic voice work and memorable character performances. As Top Cat, he created a character that remains popular in syndication decades after its original run. His influence on voice acting techniques, particularly in conveying personality through vocal inflection, continues to be studied by aspiring voice actors. Stang's career demonstrated that character actors could achieve lasting fame without traditional leading-man looks or roles. His ability to transition seamlessly between live-action and animation set a precedent for multi-talented performers. The Arnold Stang Collection at the Library of Congress preserves his radio work, ensuring his contributions to early broadcasting are not forgotten.
Who They Inspired
Stang influenced numerous actors and voice performers with his distinctive delivery and character development skills. His work in animation helped establish the importance of voice actors as creative partners in character development, rather than mere vocal technicians. Many contemporary voice actors cite his work as Top Cat as a major influence on their approach to animated characters. His success in commercials showed how character actors could become advertising icons, influencing the industry's approach to celebrity endorsements. The nervous, intellectual persona he perfected influenced comedic actors who followed, proving that intelligence and wit could be powerful comedic tools.
Off Screen
Arnold Stang was married to Joanne Taggart from 1949 until his death in 2009. The couple had two children together. Despite his distinctive on-screen persona, Stang was known in private as a quiet, intellectual man who was an avid reader and collector of rare books. He was known for his professionalism on set and his dedication to his craft, often studying his roles meticulously. Stang maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and his work rather than seeking the Hollywood spotlight.
Education
Attended local schools in Chelsea, Massachusetts; largely self-taught in acting through radio experience
Family
- Joanne Taggart (1949-2009)
Did You Know?
- His distinctive voice was once described as sounding like 'a taxi cab driver with a PhD'
- He was a classically trained pianist who considered a music career before acting
- The character Top Cat was partially based on Phil Silvers' Sergeant Bilko character
- He appeared in over 100 television commercials throughout his career
- Stang was a regular on The Milton Berle Show for several years
- He was offered the role of Gilligan on Gilligan's Island but turned it down
- His voice work extended to video games late in his career
- He was a lifelong baseball fan and supporter of the Boston Red Sox
- Stang never received formal acting training, learning his craft through radio work
- He was known for his extensive collection of antique books and first editions
In Their Own Words
'What a chunk o' chocolate!' (Chunky candy bar commercial)
'I'm not nervous, I'm just naturally high-strung.'
'Acting is just being yourself under imaginary circumstances.'
'The secret to voice acting is that it's not about the voice, it's about the character.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Arnold Stang?
Arnold Stang was an American character actor and voice artist known for his distinctive nasal voice and portrayals of nervous, intellectual characters. He had a career spanning over six decades in radio, film, television, and animation, most famously as the voice of Top Cat.
What films is Arnold Stang best known for?
Stang is best known for 'The Man with the Golden Arm' (1955), 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' (1963), 'Hercules in New York' (1970), and as the voice of Top Cat in the Hanna-Barbera animated series. He also appeared in numerous animated shorts and television commercials.
When was Arnold Stang born and when did he die?
Arnold Stang was born on September 28, 1918, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and died on December 20, 2009, at the age of 91 in Newton, Massachusetts.
What awards did Arnold Stang win?
Stang received an Emmy nomination for his work on 'The Milton Berle Show' in 1955 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976. While he didn't win major acting awards, he was widely respected for his contributions to voice acting and character performance.
What was Arnold Stang's acting style?
Stang's acting style was characterized by his distinctive nasal voice delivery, nervous energy, and portrayals of anxious but intelligent characters. He excelled at rapid-fire dialogue and physical comedy, creating memorable characters through timing and verbal wit rather than traditional leading-man presence.
Did Arnold Stang do voice work for cartoons?
Yes, Arnold Stang's most famous voice role was as Top Cat in the Hanna-Barbera animated series from 1961-1962. He also provided voices for numerous other animated productions and commercial voice-overs throughout his career.
Was Arnold Stang related to other famous actors?
No, Arnold Stang was not related to other famous actors. He came from a modest background in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and built his career through his own talent and distinctive performing style.
Learn More
Films
5 films
