At the age of 69, Artists and Models actor George “Foghorn” Winslow, also known as George Karl Wentzlaff, has died in his California home. George Winslow, who earned the nickname “Foghorn” because of his unique voice, appeared in dozens of films before calling it quits at the age of 12.
At the age of 69, George “Foghorn” Winslow has passed away leaving behind, his beloved cats, a legion of fans, friends and his footprint in the movie industry.
Kevin Braafladt, a friend of George Winslow, spoke to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, and he shared that the star died of a heart attack on June 13 at his Camp Meeker, California home.
According to Braafladt, Mr. George Winslow was a very happy bachelor, who cared deeply for his numerous cats. The pal said:
“Wentzlaff was an easygoing man, quirky and caring and about the nicest guy you could ever know. I think he was genuinely happy with where his life was.”
The friend revealed that George “Foghorn” Winslow lived alone surrounded by 25 cats that he adored and went on to add:
“His love was the cats.He’d always talk about them.”
His friends are working with the animal advocacy group, Forgotten Felines to find Winslow’s pets, new homes. The star was born George Karl Wentzlaff on May 3, 1946 in Los Angeles, California to parents, who were interested in show business.
At the age of 6 or 7, George Karl Wentzlaff made a very memorable appearance on Art Linkletter’s famous radio program called “People Are Funny.” When he was asked to introduce himself, he stated:
“George Wentzlaff, but I’d rather be Casey Jones.”
A star was born, thanks to his raspy voice and his wild sense of humor. Wentzlaff was given the nickname “Foghorn” because of his voice, he eventually changed his name to George “Foghorn” Winslow and went on to appear in 20 episodes of “People Are Funny,” which opened doors for him in Hollywood.
He was contacted by actor Cary Grant, who was impressed with Winslow’s maturity and introduced him to director Norman Taurog. The trio worked on the 1952 film, Room for One More.
George “Foghorn” Winslow went on to land a role in Monkey Business in 1953, and it co-starred Ginger Rogers and Marilyn Monroe. According to Wiki:
In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), in which Wentzlaff — playing Henry Spofford III, Monroe’s young admirer — stole scenes from the actress, including his classic line about her possessing a “certain animal magnetism”.
He landed a role in Mister Scoutmaster (1953) starring Clifton Webb, and in 1955, he had a small role in the musical comedy, Artists and Models, starring Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dorothy Malone and Shirley MacLaine.
He also worked on the television series, The Adventures of Ozzie, Harriet, and Blondie.
At 12, he retired from the movie industry, finished school, joined the Navy during the Vietnam War and worked at the U.S. Postal Service until a few years ago.
What are your thoughts on George “Foghorn” Winslow’s career?
