Jonathan Winters

**Jonathan Harshman Winters** (November 11, 1925 – April 11, 2013) was an American comedian, actor, author, television host, and artist. He started his career performing as a stand-up comedian before transitioning his career to acting in film and television. He received various accolades such as two Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Winters recorded many classic comedy albums and appeared in hundreds of television shows and films, including eccentric characters on several popular shows such as The Steve Allen Show and The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters. Primarily known as a comedian, Winters was also a voicing artist, famously giving his voice to Grandpa Smurf on The Smurfs TV series. He was a pivotal figure in comedic entertainment, with a career spanning for more than six decades. However, his performances weren't merely aimed for laughs. Winters was known for his wildly unpredictable style and a seemingly bottomless reservoir of creative energy. Adept at improvising, Winters delivered rich, thoughtful lines that struck the audience with their intelligent humor.