Ian Abercrombie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ian Abercrombie
Born	(1934-09-11)11 September 1934 Grays, Essex, England
Died	26 January 2012(2012-01-26) (aged 77) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor comedian
Years active	1955–2012
Notable work	Army of Darkness Mouse Hunt The Lost World: Jurassic Park Rango
Television	Birds of Prey Seinfeld Desperate Housewives Wizards of Waverly Place Star Wars: The Clone Wars Green Lantern: The Animated Series
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Romano ​ ​ (m. 1956; div. 1978)​ Gladys Abercrombie ​ (m. 1984)​

Ian Abercrombie (born 11 September 1934 – died 26 January 2012) was an English actor and comedian. He was famous for playing Justin Pitt, who was Elaine Benes' boss in the TV show Seinfeld. He also played Alfred Pennyworth in Birds of Prey, Rupert Cavanaugh in Desperate Housewives, and Professor Crumbs in Wizards of Waverly Place. Many kids know him as the voice of Palpatine in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Early Life and Acting Beginnings

Ian Abercrombie was born in Grays, Essex, England, on 11 September 1934. He started acting during World War II, a time known as the Blitz. He performed in many places like London, Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. When he was 17, he moved to the United States.

In 1951, he made his first American stage appearance in a play called Stalag 17. He acted in many different plays, from comedies to serious Shakespearean dramas. For a short time, he even worked as a magician's assistant!

In 1957, Ian joined the United States Army. He was stationed in West Germany and helped direct plays there. Later, he moved to California and began a long career in movies and television. He won awards for his acting in plays like Sweet Prince and A Doll's House.

Career Highlights

Ian Abercrombie was well-known to fans of cult films for his role as Wiseman in the comedy horror movie Army of Darkness (1993). He also appeared as a guest star on many popular TV shows. These included Seinfeld, The Nanny, Wizards of Waverly Place, Airwolf, and Babylon 5.

He also lent his voice to animated characters. He was the voice of Ambrose the owl in the Oscar-winning movie Rango (2011). He also voiced Ganthet in Green Lantern: The Animated Series. He finished recording his lines for this role just before he passed away.

Voicing Palpatine in Star Wars: The Clone Wars

One of Ian Abercrombie's most famous voice roles was Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious in the The Clone Wars movie (2008). He continued to voice the character in the television series and two video games.

The show's director, Dave Filoni, said that Ian was very excited that Darth Sidious would finally be seen in person, not just as a hologram. Ian recorded many lines for the fifth season of the show before he died. After his death, actor Tim Curry took over the role. Ian's voice was still heard in some episodes of the sixth season, which were recorded earlier. This was his last work released to the public, shown in 2014.

Personal Life and Passing

Ian Abercrombie was married twice. In 1956, he married Elizabeth Romano, and they divorced in 1978. In 1984, he married Gladys Abercrombie, and they stayed together until his death in 2012.

His Death

Ian Abercrombie passed away from kidney failure in Los Angeles, California, on 26 January 2012. He was 77 years old. His death happened just twenty days after the final episode of Wizards of Waverly Place aired.

Fans and fellow actors remembered him fondly. At a Star Wars event called Celebration VI, the cast of The Clone Wars dedicated a panel to him. Also, an episode of The Clone Wars called "The Lawless" included a special message honoring Ian Abercrombie at the beginning.

Film Roles

Television Roles

Video Game Roles

See also

In Spanish: Ian Abercrombie para niños