Ralph Archbold

Ralph Archbold (January 17, 1942 – March 25, 2017) was an American actor and impersonator. He was a Philadelphia-area speaker who was best known for his impersonation of U.S. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. He began his Franklin impersonation career in 1973.

Archbold has appeared as Franklin for every President of the United States at the White House from Gerald Ford through Barack Obama. He was appointed by George W. Bush to a 15-member commission to oversee the celebration of Franklin's 300th birthday.

Archbold was born in Dearborn, Michigan. In 2008, he married Linda Wilde who was a known Betsy Ross impersonator in Philadelphia. Archbold died on March 25, 2017 in Philadelphia from complications of congestive heart failure, aged 75.

References

  1. 1 2 Stein, Joel (2003-06-29). "All About the Benjamin". TIME. Archived from the original on 2008-06-10. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
  2. ↑ "Entertainment in Celebration of the 300th Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's Birth". The Office of the First Lady. White House. 2006-03-23. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
  3. ↑ Pompilio, Natalie (2008-07-03). "Ben and Betsy tie the knot". Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2008-07-06. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
  4. ↑ "ICONIC BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ACTOR RALPH ARCHBOLD HAS DIED". ABC News. April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.

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