Jason Wingreen

Jason Wingreen was an American actor who is best known for his role as the original voice of Boba Fett in the Star Wars trilogy, along with notable performances in various films and television shows.

Personal and Family Life

Born on October 9, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Jason was raised in a Jewish family with a father who was a tailor. He attended Brooklyn College, where he studied English and Speech, eventually discovering his passion for acting. Jason was married to Gloria Scott Backe from 1955 until her passing in 1996, and together they had one child.

Career

Wingreen’s acting career began after serving in World War II, during which he joined the 81st Fighter Squadron. He became a founding member of the Circle in the Square Theatre company in the 1950s and made his Broadway debut in 1954. Wingreen also appeared on television and in films, gaining recognition for his distinctive raspy voice and character portrayals.

Death and Legacy

Jason Wingreen passed away at the age of 95 on December 25, 2015, at his home in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy through his diverse contributions to film and television, particularly remembered for his unique voice work as Boba Fett in Star Wars. His family includes his son Ned, two grandchildren, and his sister Harriet, a long-time pianist for the New York Philharmonic.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
A Guide for the Married Man 1967-05-25 Harry ‘Big Fella’ Johnson
Malice in Wonderland 1985-01-01 Jack Warner
The Last Child 1971-10-05 Ticket Clerk
Miracle on 34th Street 1973-12-14 Halloran
The Empire Strikes Back 1980-05-20 Boba Fett (voice – uncredited)
Outrage 1973-11-28 Mr. Bunce
The Golden Gate Murders 1979-10-03 Larkin
Death in Space 1974-06-17
The Slender Thread 1965-12-15 Medical Technician
Paper Man 1971-11-12 Doctor
The Red Fury 1984-01-01 Mr. Taylor
A Masterpiece of Murder 1986-01-27 Williams
The Terminal Man 1974-06-19 Instructor
Louis Armstrong – Chicago Style 1976-01-25
Winner Take All 1975-03-03 Jerry
Shell Game 1975-05-09 Klein
To Die in Paris 1968-01-01 1st Prisoner
Cry Panic 1974-02-06 Woody
The Dunwich Horror 1970-01-14 Sheriff Harrison
Honky Tonk 1974-04-01
Shadow Game 1969-05-07
Johnny Belinda 1967-10-22 Interpreter
Airplane! 1980-07-02 Dr. Brody
Getting Away from It All 1972-01-18 Eben
Hustle 1975-12-25 Jim Lang
Skin Game 1971-09-30 2nd Speaker
Mr. Ricco 1975-01-31 Judge
The Traveling Executioner 1970-10-01 Medlow (uncredited)
The Elevator 1974-02-09 2nd Security Guard
Captain America 1979-01-19 Surgeon
They Only Kill Their Masters 1972-11-22 Mallory
The Lie 1973-04-24 Conference Man
Operation Heartbeat 1969-04-17 Technician
San Francisco International 1970-09-29 Senator
The Old Man Who Cried Wolf 1970-10-13 Arthur
Portrait of a Rebel: The Remarkable Mrs. Sanger 1980-04-22 Judge Hazel
The Karate Killers 1967-04-07 1st Engineer
The President’s Mistress 1978-02-10 Minor Official
Warning Shot 1967-01-18
Arthur 2: On the Rocks 1988-07-08 Boardmember #2
In the Heat of the Night: Who Was Geli Bendl? 1994-12-09 Georgie Sparkman