Frank Gorshin's impressions of famous stars and celebrities were a staple of variety TV in the 1960s and 70s. The compact, short-haired performer could be seen not just with Ed Sullivan, but as a guest on the specials of such luminaries as Carol Channing, Tom Jones and Trini Lopez. Yet, truth be told, Gorshin was always an actor, one who had done Shakespeare early in his career. He began doing impressions because he was good at it and he thought it would fill the gaps in between acting roles.

A Pittsburgh native. Gorshin's first professional job came at age 17 when he won a talent contest, his