John Pinette

John Paul Pinette (pronounced pi-NET; March 23, 1964 – April 5, 2014) was a prominent American comedian, actor, and Broadway performer. His career in stand-up comedy began in the 1980s, during which he traveled extensively on the comedy club circuit and made numerous appearances in both film and television. In addition to his stand-up routines, Pinette was known for his impressive array of impressions, which included notable figures like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Marlon Brando, particularly in his iconic role from The Godfather. He also brought to life characters such as Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, Hervé Villechaize from Fantasy Island, and various Ewoks, along with performing a variety of regional accents.

Pinette occasionally incorporated singing into his acts, delivering renditions of well-known songs including "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, "Will You Be There" from Free Willy, and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina." His unique blend of humor, character work, and musical talent garnered him a dedicated following and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.