John Fiedler

Biography

John Fiedler was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and versatile performances. He began his professional career in Wisconsin before making his mark on Broadway, notably in the 1960 production of A Raisin in the Sun, where he was the only Caucasian in an almost entirely black cast. Fiedler gained recognition for his film debut as Juror No. 2 in the classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men (1957). He often portrayed meek characters with hidden depths, frequently embodying vindictive school principals and combative psychiatric patients, as seen in his role on The Bob Newhart Show. Fiedler's most iconic role was that of Vinnie, Oscar Madison's card-playing friend in both the stage and film adaptations of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple. Throughout his career, he was prolific in both film and television, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.