‘The Andy Griffith Show’: Ernest T. Bass Actor Howard Morris Also Voiced Multiple McDonald’s Characters
In addition to playing the entertaining Ernest T. Bass on “The Andy Griffith Show,” actor Howard Morris was also known for voicing other fictional characters.
However, these characters weren’t on a television show. They were created to promote one of the most famous fast-food chains in the world.
That fast-food chain was McDonald’s – the home of the Big Mac, McFlurry, Chicken McNuggets, and much more.
And, according to MeTV.com, this actor from “The Andy Griffith Show” didn’t just voice one character for the hamburger chain – he voiced at least two. They are characters you will know if you grew up in the United States during the last half-century or so.
One of the characters Howard Morris voiced was the famous – well, infamous – Hamburglar. Interestingly, a star of another hit sitcom first voiced this McDonald’s character. That star was Larry Storch. He was beloved for his role on “F Troop.”
Storch reportedly voiced the Hamburglar from 1971 until 1986. After that, it was time for Howard Morris of “The Andy Griffith Show” to provide his voice for the character. According to IMDb.com, Morris voiced this character until 2000.
Howard Morris Also Voiced Mayor McCheese for McDonald’s
In addition to the Hamburglar, Morris also provided the voice for Mayor McCheese for McDonald’s. While Morris provided the voice of this fast-food character, others were responsible for physically inhabiting the character.
It was Billy Curtis and Jerry Maren who physically embodied Mayor McCheese. Both Curtis and Maren had played Munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz.”
If you’re of a certain age you will know that the Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese are not the only characters brought to life to promote McDonald’s. Of course, there is also Ronald McDonald. But, there are several others. These include Officer Big Mac, Grimace, Captain Crook, and Mac Tonight.
Of those characters, Captain Crook might be the least popular. This character was reportedly similar to the Hamburglar. However, instead of stealing burgers, this character stole the fast-food chain’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. It was Larry Storch of “F Troop” fame who provided the voice for this character.
Ernest T. Bass Actor from ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Passed Away in 2005
The man who would be remembered for playing Ernest T. Bass on “The Andy Griffith Show” was born in the Bronx in New York City on Sept. 4, 1919. Howard Morris passed away at the age of 85 in Los Angeles, California. on May 21, 2005.
In addition to his role on “The Andy Griffith Show” and as the voice of McDonald’s characters, Morris had many other parts to play during his career. These included “Beetle Bailey,” “The Flintstones,” “Archie’s Funhouse,” and “The Jetsons.”
