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Do deaths in the 100 Acre Wood come in threes?

Oh bother.

Last weekend, Winnie-the-Pooh lost two of his dear pals. Or their voices, anyway. Paul Winchell, veteran actor who lent his voice to Tigger in Disney's Pooh movies based on the AA Milne books, passed away last Friday. One day later, John Fiedler—the voice behind Piglet—also died.

We're familiar with the "T-I-double grrrr-R," as well as the slight lisp and laugh that endeared several generations to Pooh's lovable tiger friend. But I found out a few other bits of trivia (ever the promoter of useless information) about Winchell that I thought I'd share. He was also the voice of Gargamel on The Smurfs. And, according to CBS.com, "Winchell had many talents besides show business: acupuncture, hypnosis, and numerous inventions, including an artificial heart, a disposable razor, a flameless cigarette lighter and an invisible garter belt."

Fiedler, a stage and screen actor, appeared in Broadway productions of "A Raisin in the Sun" with Sidney Poitier and "The Odd Couple" with Walter Matthau and Art Carney. The character also appeared with John Wayne in "True Grit" and Cary Grant in "That Touch of Mink." But most people would recognize him as the squeaky, worrying voice of Piglet. Internet Movie Database credits him with working as Piglet on more than 20 films.

To quote E!Online, "Somewhere Eeyore is even more glum than usual."

And to quote Pooh, "A day without you is like a day without honey."

••••••


"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."

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