
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 25, 1991                   TAG: 9102250153
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES                                LENGTH: Short

GEORGE GOBEL DIES AT AGE 71

Crew-cut comedian George Gobel, whose deadpan humor and guitar playing earned him an Emmy and a spot on "Hollywood Squares," died Sunday. He was 71.

He died at Encino Hospital of complications after bypass surgery to the major artery in his left leg, said Sam Honigberg, a longtime friend. Gobel had been in the hospital periodically for five weeks since the operation, Honigberg said, adding: "His body was just too weak."

Gobel made his debut at age 11, singing and playing the guitar on radio and at county fairs. He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a B-26 pilot instructor, entertaining his Army buddies with humor he began to introduce into his act.

His break came after 40 appearances on the "Garry Moore Show" and seven on NBC's "Saturday Night Revue."

"The George Gobel Show" premiered on NBC in 1954 and became an instant hit. It was at the top of the ratings for three years. After the show's demise in 1960, he had numerous other television appearances, including the tipsy mayor in NBC's "Harper Valley PTA."

Gobel was known affectionately as "Lonesome George." His trademark phrases, "Well, I'll be a dirty bird" and "You can't hardly get them no more" became household expressions.

In 1954, Gobel won an Emmy for Outstanding New Personality and a Peabody Award.

Gobel is survived by his wife of 40 years, whom he fondly referred to as "spooky old Alice"; a son, two daughters and three grandchildren. Funeral services are set for Thursday at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church in Encino.

by CNB