Fred Travalena, Acclaimed Impressionist And Singer, Dead At 66

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Fred Travalena, the master impressionist and singer whose vast repertoire of voices ranged from Jack Nicholson to Sammy Davis Jr. to Bugs Bunny, has died. He was 66.

Travalena, who began being treated for an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2002 and saw the disease return last July after going into remission in 2003, died Sunday at his home in Encino , according to his publicist, Roger Neal. Travalena also was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 but had been in complete remission since then.

Fred Travalena's act included presidents from Kennedy to Obama, musicians from Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen and actors from Marlon Brando to Tom Cruise.

Travalena started his career in Las Vegas in 1971, and for years was an opening act, supporting such stars as Wayne Newton, Shirley MacLaine, Johnny Mathis, Don Rickles and Julie Andrews.

Finally, he gained headliner status in 2001 at the Stardust Resort and Casino, and joked that he was "an overnight sensation after 30 years in the business."

A 1987 TV special, "The Many Faces of Fred Travalena," was nominated for an ACE award for best cable comedy special. In more recent years, he turned to songwriting and singing and released CDs including "We All Need Love Today" and " The Spirit of America." Travalena received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. To read the Los Angeles Times article on his passing click here.

He is survived by his wife Lois; sons Fred and Corey and a granddaughter, Sophia. Funeral services will be private. A public memorial service is being planned.

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