Carl Ballantine, born Meyer Kessler on September 27, 1917, in Chicago, was a renowned comedian and magician. He began his fascination with magic tricks at a young age, when his barber would show him illusions. He started studying the art and eventually decided to become a professional magician, adopting the stage name "Ballantine" in the early 1940s.
Initially, Carl aimed to be a successful magician, but he soon realized that his true potential lay in comedy. He began to spoof his magic act, incorporating his ineptitude into his performances, which quickly gained popularity. This unique approach earned him the nickname "The Amazing Ballantine," "The Great Ballantine," and "Ballantine: The World's Greatest Magician."
Throughout his long career, Carl performed at various top establishments, including the Palace Theatre in New York and numerous Las Vegas nightclubs. He also made appearances on television variety shows during the 1950s and 1960s. His act became a staple on the small screen, featuring his signature blend of comedy and magic.
As an actor, Carl Ballantine began to gain recognition in the early 1960s, with recurring roles on shows like "Car 54, Where Are You?" and "McHale's Navy." He played the lovable but hapless crewman Lester Gruber for four seasons on the popular TV series. Carl also appeared in several film comedies, including "The Shakiest Gun in the West," "The World's Greatest Lover," "Just You and Me, Kid," and "Mr. Saturday Night."
In addition to his work in television and film, Carl lent his voice to numerous cartoons and commercials, including the iconic California Raisins campaign. He was married to actress Ceil Cabot for 45 years, until her passing in 2000. They had two daughters, Molly and Sara Ballantine, who is also an actress and voice artist.
Carl Ballantine passed away on November 3, 2009, at the age of 92, due to age-related health issues. His legacy as a comedian, magician, and actor continues to entertain audiences to this day.
