Lennie Weinrib

Lennie Weinrib (April 29, 1935 – June 28, 2006) was a versatile American actor, comedian, and writer whose contributions to entertainment, especially in children's programming, left a lasting impact. He is most renowned for his portrayal of the titular character in the beloved children's series H.R. Pufnstuf. Weinrib's distinctive voice brought life to several memorable characters, including Grimace in the iconic McDonaldland commercials, Inch High in Inch High, Private Eye, and Scrappy-Doo in the popular Scooby-Doo franchise. His vocal talents also extended to characters like Hunk and Prince Lotor in the animated series Voltron and Bigmouth on The Smurfs.

In addition to these roles, he was the voice behind Timer in the well-known "Time for Timer" public service announcements that aired on ABC during the early 1970s, educating children about healthy eating habits. After a successful career in entertainment, Weinrib chose to retire from acting in the 1990s, eventually relocating to Santiago, Chile. His life came to an end on June 28, 2006, when he passed away in a hospital following a stroke. Weinrib's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of his work, particularly in the realm of animated television and children's entertainment.