Walter Tetley - living relations, friends?

Starter of this subject: Ben Ohmart
Last post in this subject: 11/8/2001
Messages in this subject: 6

Ben Ohmart 11/8/2001
6 replies
I'm writing a book on Walter Tetley, and was curious if anyone out there knows any family or friends I could interview for the book. I've spoken with Shirley Mitchell and Barbara Whiting, and Lurene Tuttle already. But no one I've found was close to Walter socially - and I can find no clues on living family members. I've called SAG, but there's no one listed there for receiving any royalties. ANY help appreciated. Thanks.
Jim Stokes 11/8/2001
3 replies
I came upon a web site that had an interview and an extensive writeup on Walter Tetley. Heh -- It may even be your web site, if you have one! I can't recall the name of the web site. But I was curious about Walter Tetley and put his name on my browser search. That's how I found this particular web site. All I can recall is that this web site dealt with voiceover talent for animated cartoons. June Foray was one of the other people interviewed. That's all I can tell you.
Steven Thompson 11/12/2001
2 replies
I may have posted this awhile back. I was writing a book on cartoon voice actors in the early '90's (still unfinished and unpublished) and I spoke to Willard Waterman( Gildersleeve) and Charlie Stumpf (co-author of HEAVENLY DAYS)about Walter. Willard described him as simply "one of the little people" and spoke highly of him and Charlie claimed to have found relatives of his just after he (Walter)had passed away. He said he was told that Walter had a growth spurt late in life! He also says these relatives gave him quite a bit of personal memorobilia! I don't know if Mr. Stumpf is still with us but I heard HEAVENLY DAYS was/is about to be repinted so maybe.... Hope this helps a tad.
Jim Hilliker 11/17/2001
1 replies
You might try Stan Freberg...He always says he was a friend of Tetley's on When Radio Was
Ben Ohmart 1/17/2002
0 replies
Hi. I posted the original question, and I'm also co-writer of the biography of The Great Gildersleeve, which comes out in Feb. 2002. We have a chapter on Tetley. But I still want to do an entire book on him. June Foray couldn't remember much about Walter, and Freberg doesn't return calls. Wish I knew who else to try........
Bill Kizer 12/14/2001
1 replies
Ben -Charlie told me recently that he had given you most of his files and books, etc... He had a large box---maybe two---of a lot of Walter Tetley's personal stuff....People who owned the motel Walter was living in when he died sent these things to Charlie not knowing what else to do with them...About a year or so ago, Charlie decided to send all of them to A.M.P.A.& S. in Los Angeles... But, alas he took very ill---nearly died---and I was not able to get back in touch with him for almost two months. Other things took priority and, the "project" was soon shelved. I examined all of them---very thoroughly--spent a few hours at it...I remember he was living in New Jersey as a child...Ben, try the New York Library, the Billy Rose Theater Collection and see what they have....By the way, Walter's real name as I recall was "Tetzloff" or "Tetzlov" ----well, Russian... His mother was Scotish, a "Campbell" maybe...??? Anyhow, she encouraged his promotions as a Scot, the tartan, etc...He was billed as the "Little Harry Lauder" I think...(Lauder was a Scot singer then.) Lastly, try the 1920 Census for New Jersey---the only one he would be listed in....(Born after 1910 and 1930 Census not open as yet.) Shouldn't be too many Tetley's orTetzloff's, etc.... Good Luck...! Please look after Charlie and, let me know IF he should take a turn for the worse...Call toll free here in VA at 1-888-914-1970.......Happy Holidays...!!!!!! Bill Kizer
Ben Ohmart 12/10/2002
0 replies
To Bill Kizer!

Hi there! I didn't realize you had email! Only NOW have I viewed your entry on Walter
Tetley on the otr bbs. Charles Stumpf and I are in constant contact, and he never fails to
sing your praises. You have helped him - and me - incredibly over the years. Of course
Charles is without email (even now he's getting used to a 'new' typewriter and that's
enough of a chore!), but I'm glad that You're here.

Tell me, are you a writer yourself? Seems like you have More than enough material for