The Curious Case of Mr. Whipple and Dick Wilson
The Curious Case of Mr. Whipple and Dick Wilson
The iconic line "Please don't squeeze the Charmin!" might come to mind when discussing the character of Mr. Whipple. However, the actor who portrayed this much-loved character, Dick Wilson, had a much longer and diverse career than the typical TV commercial actor. Let's delve into his life and why he is often mistaken for another famous actor known for his many film roles, Gene Hackman.
Who is Dick Wilson?
Dick Wilson, born in 1916 and passed away in 2007, was an English character actor who had a career spanning over three decades in both film and television. While he may not have the level of fame associated with Hollywood's A-list stars, he had a prominent role in American households as the voice and face of Mr. Whipple in Charmin toilet paper commercials from 1964 to 1985. These commercials were a nostalgic element of daily life, appearing in over 500 episodes during its reign.
The Mistaken Identity: Dick Wilson and Gene Hackman
There has often been confusion between Dick Wilson and Gene Hackman, a much more celebrated actor known for his roles in films such as:
Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Detective 'Popeye' Doyle in The French Connection (1971) The blind hermit in Young Frankenstein (1974) Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992) Herod in The Quick and the Dead (1995) Captain Ramsey in Crimson Tide (1995)While these are some of the most famous and iconic roles Gene Hackman is known for, it's essential to note that he had other film and television appearances as well. Despite this, the similarity in appearances and the iconic roles portrayed by both actors have led to widespread confusion about who played Mr. Whipple.
A Career Spanning Multiple Decades
Despite not being as well-known as Hackman, Dick Wilson's career was no less impressive. He appeared in more than 130 movies and TV series between 1955 and 1989. Some of his notable works include:
Bewitched (TV series) The Twilight Zone (TV series) Perry Mason (TV series)His versatility as an actor allowed him to adopt various roles and succeed in different mediums. His most famous role undoubtedly remains Mr. Whipple, but his contributions to film and television are commendable in their own right.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Dick Wilson's role as Mr. Whipple is a testament to the power of memorable advertising and the lasting impact of a simple catchphrase. Commercials like these often become a part of pop culture and can endure for decades. Even today, the line "Please don't squeeze the Charmin!" continues to resonate with people, reminding us of a time when advertising was more like storytelling.
In conclusion, while Dick Wilson may not have received the same level of recognition as Gene Hackman, he left a significant mark during his career in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Mr. Whipple remains a cherished memory for many, and his extensive work in film and television showcases his talent and dedication to his craft.