Walter Tetley - For Corn's Sake

by Ben Ohmart

Old Time Radio fans still love hearing Walter Tetley as Leroy in episodes of The Great Gildersleeve and as the obnoxious grocery boy, Julius, on The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. New generations grow to love him each year through his voice characterizations in animated cartoons, such as Sherman on Mr. Peabody, Felix the Cat, and Andy Panda. You might even remember the electric utility mascot, Reddy Kilowatt on commercials throughout the 1960s-1970s. The perennial boy who never grew up survived on talent and determination, yet his life was far from animated. His inspiring yet poignant tale encloses his secret challenges of loneliness, isolation, and overcoming disabilities. Discover his stirring story in this revised Second Edition by prolific author Ben Ohmart, a complete biography drawn from Walter's personal scrapbooks and family memorabilia. More than 200 pages, including many rare photos that were previously unavailable and an extensive List of Credits. "Very well done, and fascinating."- Jim Harmon, OTR author "It is an ultimately sad story to be sure, but it is also a story to be treasured." -Radiogram/Rodney Bowcock, Jr. "So little has been written, and when a book does come along and attempts to tell the whole story, while also giving us a fine appreciation of his work, well, I'm happy. Includes an incredible list of credits." - Classic Images/Laura Wagner

166 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Owner of BearManor Media.

Reviews

[Bill C · Rating 3 out of 5]

First edition

[Samantha Glasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard a lot of great things about Walter Tetley when listening to the interviews Chuck Schaden did with old time radio actors, writers and announcers on his Speaking of Radio website. Some of them mentioned he had a condition that made him never seem to age. It made me curious about Tetley so I sought this book out for more information.

Based upon records kept by his family including his very busy work schedule, and newspaper reports from the era, it is probably the best resource we will get on the talented performer, but unfortunately it falls short of the kind of biography I wanted to read. The research is shallow and doesn’t give us an idea of who Walter was. Unfortunately it sounds like he lead a lonely life, perceived as a kid by his coworkers but really an adult trapped in a young man’s body. His final days were filled with pain as he tried to recover from a motorcycle accident.

[Rodney Haydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but wish there was more information regarding this remarkable, talented man. It is a shame that so much about his life remains unknown. I was disappointed that there was not more information/interviews with other radio stars that worked with Walter Tetley. Still, I gave this book four stars since this seems to encompass all the information known about the man.
Here's hoping there is a second edition with more information.