15 Facts About Parker Fennelly

Parker W Fennelly was an American character actor who appeared in ten films, numerous television episodes and hundreds of radio programs.

The son of gardener Nathan Fennelly and Estelle Dolliver Fennelly, he was born and raised in Northeast Harbor, Maine, and studied classical acting in Boston, where he was a member of the Toy Theater company and participated in Chautauqua readings.

Parker Fennelly studied under the performing arts educator Leland T Powers.

In 1915 and 1916, Parker Fennelly toured on the Midland Chautauqua Circuit with the Maud Scheerer Shakespeare Players.

Fennelly and his wife, Catherine Reynolds Fennelly, formed the Parker Fennelly Duo, presenting short plays, readings and impersonations.

Parker Fennelly personified the crusty New England Yankee in roles on radio, films and television.

Parker Fennelly was heard weekly as Titus Moody on the "Allen's Alley" segment of Fred Allen's radio show where he delivered his famous opening line, "Howdy, Bub".

In 1960, Parker Fennelly recorded Moody Speaking, a series of "sparkling one-minute and five-minute vignettes" produced by Banner Radio Company for local stations.

Parker Fennelly made numerous appearances on live television shows in the early 1950s, including Lux Video Theatre, The Philco Television Playhouse and Studio One.

In film, Parker Fennelly portrayed the millionaire in Alfred Hitchcock's The Trouble with Harry and he replaced Percy Kilbride as Pa Kettle in the final film of the "Ma and Pa Kettle" series, The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm.

In later years, Fennelly became a familiar face as the Pepperidge Farm's television spokesman between 1956 and 1977, delivering the slogan "Pepperidge Farm remembers" in his New England accent, then turned over the role to Charles C Welch.

In 1918, Parker Fennelly met and married Catherine Deane "while both of them were playing in a stock company in Moline, Illinois".

In 1950, Parker Fennelly made the children's record "Ride 'Em Cowboy ".

Parker Fennelly died on January 22,1988, aged 96, at his home in Peekskill, New York.

Parker Fennelly was survived by his wife, two daughters, four grandsons and one great-grandson.