Fred Travalena Passes

jsgilbert · 06-29-2009, 12:06 PM

Must be that there's a need for entertainers in the great beyond. Fred Travalena, who I had met several times and actually shared a stage with on a couple of occasions passed away yesterday from Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

As someone who did impersonations in my standup act years ago and has been enjoying a decent run at voice matching and impersonating for voiceover, Fred was an inspiration. Probably from Fred more than anyone, I realized the difference betwen a funny voice and a fully fledged character and while I think there were more gifted impersonators, his abilities went beyond impersonation.

While I was but another one of the many body's he would encounter in his long career, Fred was very gracious the few times we had met and was also very complimentary of my work, which he certainly didn't have to be.

Mike Sommer · 06-29-2009, 01:03 PM

Another sad day indeed.

Fred Travalena dies at 66; master impressionist and singer - Los Angeles Times

JoeActor · 06-29-2009, 05:03 PM

I'm sorry he's gone. I envy your time with him JS, however brief.

One of my inspirations as well,
Joe

06-29-2009, 12:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
jsgilbert jsgilbert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Francisco, California Posts: 829	Fred Travalena Passes Must be that there's a need for entertainers in the great beyond. Fred Travalena, who I had met several times and actually shared a stage with on a couple of occasions passed away yesterday from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As someone who did impersonations in my standup act years ago and has been enjoying a decent run at voice matching and impersonating for voiceover, Fred was an inspiration. Probably from Fred more than anyone, I realized the difference betwen a funny voice and a fully fledged character and while I think there were more gifted impersonators, his abilities went beyond impersonation. While I was but another one of the many body's he would encounter in his long career, Fred was very gracious the few times we had met and was also very complimentary of my work, which he certainly didn't have to be.

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06-29-2009, 01:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mike Sommer User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,158	Another sad day indeed. Fred Travalena dies at 66; master impressionist and singer - Los Angeles Times

06-29-2009, 05:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
JoeActor Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,893	I'm sorry he's gone. I envy your time with him JS, however brief. One of my inspirations as well, Joe