- Don Knotts, Move Over Darling, 1963. Marlon Brando’s longtime lover was in the last movie scene that Marilyn ever shot – in Something’s Gotta Give. He then left the studio with her after her 36th birthday party on the set. Like Dean Martin, and Cyd Charisse, Wally refused the rescue-job starring Doris Day and James Garner.
- John Fielder, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, 1967. Brando’s great buddy was Walt Disney’s voice choice for Piglet. However, Cox was in New York – playing the lead pooch in Underdog’s 119 episodes, during 1964-1967. Fielder remained Piglet during some 23 films and series from this debut until close to his death at 80 in 2005 – one day after the demise Paul Winchell, aka Tigger.
- Charles White, Child’s Play, 1972. “The part is an alcoholic schoolteacher,” Sidney Lumet told Wally. “You used to play Mr Peepers, a schoolteacher, and Marlon says you’re also an alcoholic, so you should be just right.” That was Brando’s way of putting a good word in for Wally! Thinking he had the role, Cox flew to New York only to find he had to audition. Once Brando, on a high from The Godfather, was sacked for demands and delays, there was no reason for the production to retain his pal. Humiliated by Brando (and not for the first time), Wally never spoke to Marlon again for a year.
Birth year: 1924Death year: 1973Other name: Casting Calls: 3