Wally Cox

Wally Cox was a character actor known for his work in television. His short stature, slight frame, and high-pitched voice made him well-suited for comedic roles, such as Professor P. Caspar Biddle in the "The Bird-Watchers" episode of *The Beverly Hillbillies* (1962), which aired in 1966. On screen, he was often portrayed as a shy, timid man in horn-rimmed glasses who spoke in a hesitant yet clearly enunciated voice. This image, according to his longtime friend Marlon Brando, contrasted sharply with Cox's true personality.

Cox is best remembered for his role as "Mr. Peepers" and for providing the voice of "Underdog," but he possessed a broader range of acting abilities that were rarely utilized in the industry. This is evident in his performance as the sonar operator in *The Bedford Incident* (1965) and as the potential suicide Wally Haverstraw in the 1970 episode "Goodbye, Cruel World" of *The Bill Cosby Show* (1969). Cox died unexpectedly on February 15, 1973; some newspapers attributed his death to an accidental overdose of sedatives, while Brando's autobiography cited a heart attack. Cox's cremated remains were reportedly kept hidden in a closet by his friend for 30 years. According to Brando's son Miko, both Brando's and Cox's ashes were scattered together in Death Valley, California, following Brando's death, reuniting the lifelong friends.