Wally Cox was a beloved actor and comedian who made his mark in television and ranks as one of the medium’s most memorable performers. He was best known for his roles as the mild-mannered teacher in Mister Peepers, the voice of the animated superhero Underdog, and a regular panelist on The Hollywood Squares. But how did he die and what were the circumstances surrounding his death?
Early Life and Career
Wally Cox was born Wallace Maynard Cox on December 6, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan. When he was 10, he moved with his divorced mother, mystery author Eleanor Blake, and a younger sister to Evanston, Illinois, where he became close friends with another child in the neighborhood, Marlon Brando. The child Marlon once tied Wally to a fence as a prank and left him in bondage overnight
After World War II, Cox moved to New York City and studied metal-working, becoming a master craftsman. In New York, he met up again with Brando, and the two rekindled their friendship and became roommates, with Cox eventually moving out as he reportedly could not abide Russell, Marlon’s pet raccoon. Brando interested Cox in acting, and he studied with Brando’s mentor Stella Adler. Cox and Brando both shared a delight in book-reading and learning, though Cox was the more accomplished intellectual
Cox began his career as a standup comedian and then became the title character of the popular early U.S. television series Mister Peepers from 1952 to 1955. He also appeared as a character actor in over 20 films and dozens of television episodes. He was the voice of the animated canine superhero Underdog of the TV show of the same name
Personal Life and Relationships
Cox was married three times and had two children. His first wife was Marilyn Gennaro, whom he married in 1954 and divorced in 1961. His second wife was Milagros Tirado, whom he married in 1963 and divorced in 1966. His third wife was Patricia Tiernan, whom he married in 1969
Cox was also rumored to have had a homosexual relationship with Brando, who once said that Cox was “the love of my life.” However, Cox denied this claim and said that they were just friends. He also said that he was not gay, but bisexual
Cox was an avid nature lover and enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking long walks. He also had a passion for astronomy and owned several telescopes. He was a vegetarian and a supporter of animal rights
Death and Legacy
Cox died on February 15, 1973 in Hollywood, California after suffering a heart attack, aged 48. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at Death Valley and in Tahiti.
His death shocked his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a gentle, witty, and talented man. His friend Brando kept Cox’s ashes in his bedroom until his own death in 2004. He then instructed his son to scatter Cox’s ashes with his own in Death Valley.
Cox left behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment for generations of viewers. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of television comedy and one of the most versatile actors of his time. He is also remembered for his distinctive voice and personality that made him stand out from the crowd.
