Carol Burnett Says ‘Everybody Was Roaring’ During Early Performance with “H.R. Pufnstuf” Actor Lennie Weinrib

**Remembering Lennie Weinrib: A Pioneering Voice in Entertainment**

In a recent episode of the podcast *Nostalgia Tonight*, Carol Burnett shared fond memories of her early collaboration with Lennie Weinrib, a talent whose contributions to voice acting have been celebrated since his passing in 2006. The episode, hosted by Joe Sibilia, aired on April 19 and provided an intimate glimpse into the friendship and comedic chemistry that blossomed between Burnett and Weinrib during their time at UCLA.

Weinrib, best known for his role as H.R. Pufnstuf in the beloved children’s programme that first aired in 1969, made a significant mark on the entertainment world. He not only lent his voice to memorable characters like Grimace from the McDonald’s franchise and Scrappy-Doo from *Scooby-Doo*, but also became a household name among those who appreciated voice artistry.

Burnett recalled meeting Weinrib while they were both students at UCLA, where they participated in various performances together. One particular moment she highlighted was during the homecoming show when she played Morticia and he portrayed Igor. “I came out of a coffin and sang,” she shared, recalling the laughter that erupted from the audience during their comedic sketch.

This early collaboration not only showcased their exceptional comedic talent but also laid the groundwork for future opportunities. Burnett expressed that the chemistry they shared during performances was palpable, ultimately leading to Weinrib landing a spot on *The Garry Moore Show*, a pivotal moment in his career. Burnett, then an established performer on the show, took the initiative to support Weinrib’s aspirations.

“I talked to Garry about how funny Lennie was doing an impression of JFK, so they wrote a sketch for Lennie and me,” she recounted. The success of this sketch was a testament to not only Weinrib’s abilities but also the power of collaboration in the entertainment industry. This moment allowed him to reach a national audience and displayed the comedic timing that would characterise his future voice acting roles.

Beyond his professional prowess, Burnett emphasised the personal qualities that endeared Weinrib to those around him. She described him as a “very sweet, sweet human being” and a source of laughter and kindness. Such sentiments reflect not only the infectious spirit they shared on stage but also the lasting impact Weinrib had on those fortunate enough to know him.

The podcast episode coincided with the recent passing of Sid Krofft, another significant figure in the world of children’s entertainment, who co-created iconic shows alongside his brother Marty Krofft. Sid Krofft died peacefully at the age of 96 on April 10. His work, including *H.R. Pufnstuf* and *Land of the Lost*, also contributed to the era that celebrated vibrant characters and imaginative storytelling, further linking the legacy of Weinrib with other pioneers in television.

As Burnett reflected on her friendship with Weinrib and the shared joy of their early performances, it became clear that his legacy extends far beyond the characters he voiced. Lennie Weinrib’s impact on the industry and the lives he touched serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing talent and fostering kindness within the entertainment community.

In remembering Weinrib, it is evident that he not only helped shape the landscape of children’s television but also left behind a legacy of laughter and warmth. The stories shared by Burnett serve to keep his memory alive, celebrating both his artistic contributions and the personal connections he forged throughout his life.

As a towering figure in talent and spirit alike, Lennie Weinrib remains an inspiration for aspiring voice actors and a cherished memory for those who had the pleasure of working alongside him during the golden age of television entertainment.