Soupy!


dscn0807.JPGSoupydscn0806.JPG Sales was the Kausler family’s favorite comedian in the late 50s and early 1960s. My brother and I loved hearing our father laugh at silly White Fang the dog viciously smacking Soupy with a pie after an outrageous pun or crazy comedy routine. Of course, the puppeteer and comedian who was every bit as much a star as Soupy remained off-camera for the most part and unsung. His name was Clyde Adler. In New York, the puppets were controlled by Frank Nastasi, but we mid-westerners will always adore Clyde. Clyde’s voice was so funny he could have had a career as a cartoon voice actor, but preferred to edit film in Detroit when not performing with the Pookie Players. A couple of years ago, Soupy was given his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is located to the immediate right of the doorway to the old Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. I am including a photo of Soupy from the ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt last year. It was pouring down rain that day, and the old guy was wheelchair bound, feeble and couldn’t really speak, but I was thrilled to be there. Imagine finally being in the presence of the guy who had made us all laugh together as a family! And believe me, my Dad was not an easy laugher, but Soupy and Clyde tickled him. Now where is Clyde’s star? Do the Soupy Shuffle!

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