The versatile voice of a generation: Larry Storch's comic legacy

Nature · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From his early days as a comic in the Bronx to his long tenure on the Broadway stage, Larry Storch became a versatile entertainer. He mastered hundreds of distinct voices and dialects, leaving a lasting legacy through his iconic television roles, numerous film appearances, and extensive work in animation.

Larry Storch was a prolific American actor and comedian who became a staple of 20th-century entertainment. His career spanned decades, moving from live comedy and Broadway to television, film, and extensive voice-over work. Famous for his mimicry, he could imitate various dialects and hundreds of distinct voices, including Claude Rains and Muhammad Ali.

Storch's television career was marked by high-profile roles, most notably as the scheming Corporal Randolph Agarn on the sitcom F Troop (1965-1967). His performance earned him an Emmy Award nomination in 1967, though he famously lost the award to his childhood friend, Don Adams. Beyond sitcoms, he appeared on dozens of series including Get Smart, Gilligan's Island, and All in the Family, while also making over 25 appearances in Hollywood films.

His versatility extended into the world of animation. While at Warner Bros.-Seven Arts during the late 1960s, he collaborated with June Foray and Mel Blanc to provide voices for Cool Cat and Merlin the Magic Mouse. He contributed vocal performances to several Filmation projects, such as Journey Back to Oz (1972). Even in his later years, Storch remained active, performing on Broadway for over 50 years and recording music until just before his death at age 99 in 2022.

Larry Storch received an Emmy Award nomination in 1967 for his part in F Troop. He entered the world on January 8, 1923, in New York City. His career included roles in over 25 Hollywood movies. As an impressionist, he could mimic hundreds of voices, from Claude Rains to Muhammad Ali. He passed away on July 8, 2022, at 99 years old.

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