Image Credit: Everett CollectionKenneth Mars, the actor who played two of Mel Brooks’ nuttiest cinematic characters, has died of pancreatic cancer, according to the New York Times. He was 75. Mars had been on Broadway and appeared in several hit TV shows (Get Smart, Gunsmoke) when he was cast as the Hitler-worshiping playwright in Brooks’ 1968 comedy, The Producers. Six years later, he was Transylvania’s one-armed, eye-patch-wearing police inspector who leads the rioting townspeople against the monster (Peter Boyle) in Young Frankenstein.
Mars also appeared in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Parallax View, and two Woody Allen films, among countless other credits. In recent years, he’d voiced many animated characters (such as King Triton in The Little Mermaid) and had a recurring role on the TV series, Malcolm in the Middle.
Inspector Kemp! One of the funniest parts of one of the funniest movies of all time. He will be missed.
Might very well be the best character intro in a movie when he lights his smoke with the help of a fireplace, a glass of water, and his index finger. R.I.P. Kenneth Mars.
RIP Kenneth Mars. This is sad news indeed, I will be watching Young Frankenstein today.
“He will curse the day he was bern a Frankenstein” “WHAT?” “I said he will curse the day he was born a Frankenstein”
“He merst nut vallow in is grandvudder’s vudshtapps!”
“What?”
“Vallow in is grandvudder’s vudshtapps! Vudshtapps, Vudshtapps!” (Clomp clomp clomp)
Kenny Mars was one of a kind. A much better choice to play Franz Liebkind than the original actor hired who Mel Brooks agreed to let out of his contract so he could do a different film with Mel’s wife, Anne Bancroft. That film was “The Graduate” and the actor was, of course, Dustin Hoffman.
I thought Hoffman was hired to play Leo Bloom, then was replaced by no-name stage actor Gene Wilder.
“I am Hugh!”
“You are me?”
“No! I am Hugh!”
“Stop that!”
Rest in peace, Mr. Mars…
Yes!!! What’s up Doc. Great movie. This is exactly the quote I thought of when I heard the sad news that he passed.
Aw, I have to second this. Brilliant performance in a timeless movie.
Yes! I also immediately thought of “I am Hugh!” when I saw the sad headline. “What’s Up Doc?” is one of the funniest movies of all time. Mars was an integral part of it. RIP to him…
He was hilarious in What’s Up Doc.
Thanks to all of you! Most people never heard of “What’s up Doc?”, one the funnies movies ever made. My favorite quote:
Mars: I find that story as difficult to swallow as I do this potage au gelee.
Streisand: How would you like to swallow one sandwich de knuckles??
I thought that’s who this was, but I wasn’t sure.
“Has anyone ever told you you are very sexy?”
“Why, no.”
“They never will.”
RIP Mr. Mars, you will be missed. Definitely one of the funniest bits of Young Frankenstein, and also had a nice guest role in one of my favorite episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine(“Shadowplay”). Might have to watch both of those today.
one movie that has been forgotten over the years was For Keeps. and Kenneth Mars had one of the best lines in it (as cruel as it was): “Young lady, you need how to keep your mouth shut and your legs crossed!” he will truly be missed.
Oh, Kenneth Mars! How I loved you! You will be missed.
A natural comedic genius. RIP and thank you for the laughter.
Kenneth Mars, as the wacky W. D. Bud
Prize on “Fernwood Tonight” in the
late 70s was priceless.
@Richard: Well done, sir! Ol’ WD was one of the best characters on that show. Mr. Mars was a singular talent and he will be missed. Not too many could follow in his “foot-shtahps.”
I was hoping someone would mention W.D. and his “chinodontics.” What a great show.
That show was great. His full name was William WD “Bud” Prize.
I LOVE HIM! LOVE HIM! LOVE HIM! A great man and actor! Adored him!
Will be deeply missed!
OMG! KING TRITON! ” She really does love him..doesn’t she Sebastian,..Well I guess then there just one problem left.
How Much Im going to miss her.” The Little Mermaid is MY MOST favorite animated movie of all time. He voiced the part of one of Disney’s best animated parents. He truly had the voice for the King of the Sea.
RIP-Kenneth, I will forever think of you when watching ” The Little Mermaid”.
It is magic time…
An amazing comedic actor. RIP
My favortie Kenneth Mars role: Sheriff “Woolly” Bill from “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again”.
He stole the picture from Knotts and Conway.
Eggcellant Shot! Wonderful character actor. RIP