Vaughn Meader
Biography
Abbott Vaughn Meader (March 20, 1936 – October 29, 2004) was an American comedian, impersonator, musician, and film actor. Meader began his career as a musician but later found fame in the early 1960s after the release of the 1962 comedy record The First Family, written and produced by Bob Booker and Earle Doud. The album spoofed President John F. Kennedy – who was played by Meader – and became the fastest selling "pre-Beatles" album in history and went on to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1963. At the peak of his popularity, he performed his Kennedy impersonation on television variety shows and in nightclubs around the country and was profiled in several magazines and newspapers. Meader's career success came to an abrupt end after President Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. Meader's TV and nightclub bookings were all canceled. Producer Bob Booker quickly pulled The First Family records from stores so as not to appear to be profiting from the deceased President. Meader attempted to take his career in a different direction by performing non-Kennedy-related comedy and released a new comedy album, Have Some Nuts!!!, in early 1964. However, sales for the album were low as public interest in Meader had waned. His career never rebounded as he was too closely associated with President Kennedy. Meader eventually returned to his native Maine where he resumed performing music and managed a pub.
Known For & Full Filmography5 Titles
Drama Series - 1950, 16 episodes • as Self - Mystery Guest
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
Movie - 1975, 2h 15m • as Walter Winchell
Lepke is the feared leader of "Murder Incorporated" in this underworld drama based on the life of Louis "Lepke" Buchalter. Lepke began his criminal career as a petty thief in his teens; a stretch in prison taught him the finer points of life on the wrong side of the law. After getting out of jail, Lepke and his pal Gurrah Shapiro join a gang who hire themselves out as strikebreakers, and the vicious but clever Lepke soon rises through the ranks.
Movie - 1978, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
The early years of rock and roll are revisited in a night club setting, with table conversations, old film clips, and stage performances by the stars.
Movie - 2003, 2h 15m • as Self
PBS documentary examining the work of Jack Paar.
Movie - 2006, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
First Impersonator is a feature documentary about political impersonators. Combining two stories, the film shadows a George W. Bush lookalike through the 2004 presidential race while detailing the career of famed JFK impersonator Vaughn Meader.