Frank Delfino

Frank J. Delfino (February 13, 1911 – February 19, 1997) was an American actor. Delfino had dwarfism, and most of his roles were related to his small stature. He remains best known for portraying the character of The Hamburglar in the McDonald's advertising campaign television commercial's over a 20-year period.

Frank Delfino
Frank Delfino and wife Sadie Delfino
Born
Frank J. Delfino

(1911-02-13)February 13, 1911
Brooklyn, New York, US
DiedFebruary 19, 1997(1997-02-19) (aged 86)
OccupationActor
Years active1955–1992

Early life and career

Delfino was born in Brooklyn, New York. Standing 4 feet, 5 inches tall, he became a professional violinist and performed in "Midget Village" at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Delfino began his professional acting career appearing as "Johnnie" selling cigarettes for Philip Morris.He subsequently appeared in advertisements for Curtis Candy, Little Caesars, Sprite, and Snickers. He first appeared in commercials for McDonald's, beginning in 1971 and continuing for more than 20 years, portraying The Hamburglar.[1][2]

In 1949, Delfino moved to Los Angeles to perform in his own local cartoon show, Jupiter Mars from Out of the Stars. He made his feature film debut in 1956 with an uncredited role in The Court Jester. He later had minor parts in films such as Please Don't Eat the Daisies, Planet of the Apes, and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He also had more significant roles in productions including At the End of the Rainbow (aka: The Princess and the Magic Frog), The Odd Couple, Little Cigars, White House Madness, The Feather and Father Gang and Never Con a Killer.[1]

Delfino and his wife, Sadie, also worked as stand-ins for well-known Hollywood child actors, including Mike Lookinland and Susan Olsen, who portrayed Bobby and Cindy Brady on The Brady Bunch. In addition to serving as stand-ins, the Delfinos appeared as "Kaplutian" extraterrestrials in one of the episodes of the final season of The Brady Bunch entitled, "Out of This World". One of Frank Delfino's last on-screen roles came in 1988, when he played a minor character in the TV series Circus.[1]

Death

Delfino died of bone marrow cancer at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California on February 19, 1997, just six days after his 86th birthday.[1][2]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1955 The Court Jester One of Hermine's Midgets Film debut, Uncredited
1960 Please Don't Eat the Daisies Minor Role Uncredited
1963 Papa's Delicate Condition Midget Clown Uncredited
Bonanza Timothy Episode: Hoss and the Leprechauns
1965 Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea Boy - Midget Episode: Time Bomb
At the End of the Rainbow Leprechaun
The Wild Wild West Barker Episode: The Night of the Glowing Corpse
1966 Movie Star, American Style or; LSD, I Hate You Midget Photographer
The Beverly Hillbillies Spaceman #1 Episode: The Flying Saucer
1968 Planet of the Apes Child Ape Uncredited
1969 Justine Child Prostitute Uncredited
Hello, Dolly! Midget Uncredited
1971 The Red Skelton Hour Mini Humperdoo Episode: Humperdoo's Little Prescription
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Auctioneer Uncredited
1973 Little Cigars Monty
1974 The Brady Bunch Kaplutian Episode: Out of This World
1975-1990 McDonaldland Hamburglar
1975 White House Madness Secret Service Man
1976 Gable and Lombard Munchkin Uncredited
1978 The Lord of the Rings Character Actor Voice
1979 Americathon Act
1980 The Hunter Poker Player Final film

References

  1. "Frank J. Delfino; Actor Played Hamburglar". The Los Angeles Times. February 22, 1997.
  2. "Frank J. Delfino, Television's Hamburglar". San Jose Mercury News. February 23, 1997.
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