Alan Young

Actor

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In his three-hour Archive interview, Alan Young (1919-2016) discusses his Scottish and Canadian upbringing and starting his show business career as a teenager on radio. He speaks of "The Alan Young Show" radio program and the television version, and recalls his experiences doing a 'live' television series. He talks about his movies with special effects wizard George Pal and working with Howard Hughes. Young then details the role for which he is best known, that of "Wilbur Post" on Mister Ed. He also touches on the many animated voiceovers and television guest appearances he made. Jeff Abraham conducted the interview on February 6, 2001 in Studio City, CA.

"I worked it out that you go to an audition feeling you're going to give your concept of what this part is you're not going to try to get anything. If the producer likes it, whether you get the part or not, you've given. It takes away all the anxiety and the weight. That's my best advice. Just give, and then trust."

People Talking About ...

Alan Young

Highlights

Alan Young on guest starring on a soap opera (General Hospital)

Alan Young on the Mister Ed theme song

Alan Young on briefly working with Ronald Reagan

Alan Young on the development of Mr. Ed

Alan Young on appearing in the live Matinee Theater teleplay "Ask Me No Questions" (airdate: April 10, 1956)

Full Interview

Chapter 1

On his early years and education; on his start in radio; on radio's The Alan Young Show

Chapter 2

On working in Hollywood; on his transition to television; on TV's The Alan Young Show

Chapter 3

On The Alan Young Show; on working in film; on some of his roles in TV anthology series including Studio One and Matinee Theater; on the genesis of Mister Ed

Chapter 4

On starring in Mister Ed

Chapter 5

On starring in Mister Ed (continued); on voicing characters in the animated series The Smurfs; on guest starring on a soap opera (General Hospital)

Chapter 6

On guest starring on Coach; on guest starring on the Hart to Hart reunion; on appearing in Beverly Hills Cop III; on some of his other television projects; on his advice to aspiring actors; on some of the people he's worked with in his career