Marty Ingels (born Martin Ingerman; March 9, 1936 – October 21, 2015) was an American entertainer whose career spanned stand-up, television, voice acting and theatrical representation. He became widely recognized in the 1960s for his distinctive comic delivery and for headlining a sitcom, then later found steady work lending his voice to animated series and commercials.

Early life and start in entertainment

Ingels was born in the Brooklyn borough of Brooklyn, New York City. He began performing in the late 1950s, developing a nervous, rapid-fire persona that stood out on nightclub stages and in variety television appearances. Early success on television led to his best-known sitcom role and opened doors into voice work with established animation studios.

Television and comic persona

His most prominent live-action role was as one of the title characters on the short-lived 1960s sitcom I'm Dickens, He's Fenster, which showcased his knack for physical comedy and conversational timing. Television work throughout his career included guest appearances on comedy and variety programs where he displayed the exaggerated, energetic style that became his trademark.

Voice acting and commercial work

Ingels transitioned successfully into voice acting, providing character voices for animated projects and television advertisements. He is frequently associated with the animated adaptation of the arcade hit Pac-Man, produced by the well-known studio Hanna-Barbera. In this medium he often played lively, whimsical characters and contributed to the era's growing crossover between video games and Saturday-morning cartoons.

Agent and later activities

Beyond performance, Ingels worked as a theatrical agent, representing clients and leveraging his years of industry experience to guide performers and negotiate engagements. His dual perspective as both performer and agent informed his later career and kept him connected to the entertainment community even when he stepped back from frequent on-camera roles.

Personal life and legacy

Ingels was married twice. His first marriage was to Jean Marie Frassinxlli in the mid-1960s. In 1977 he married actress Shirley Jones, and their marriage remained a public part of his later life. He suffered a massive stroke (stroke) and died on October 21, 2015, at Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, Los Angeles.

Notable credits and recognition

  • Television: I'm Dickens, He's Fenster — prominent 1960s sitcom role
  • Voice work: Animated series and commercials, including the televised Pac-Man adaptation
  • Other roles: Stand-up comedian, sketch writer and theatrical agent

For further reading about Ingels's career, performances, and the programs he contributed to, consult specialized film and television reference sources or archives of mid-20th-century American television and animation. His blend of high-energy stand-up, sitcom work, and voice roles illustrates a mid-century entertainer adapting across changing media landscapes while later applying his knowledge as an agent and advisor.

Actor and performer profile | Brooklyn background | New York origins | Shirley Jones connection