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{{short description|American comedian}} {{short description|American comedian; also known as Larry "Bud" Melman}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Calvert DeForest | name = Calvert DeForest
| image = Calvert DeForest (1990).jpg | image = Calvert DeForest (1990).jpg
| caption = Calvert DeForest at the 1990 ] | caption = DeForest in 1990
| birth_name = Calvert Grant DeForest | birth_name = Calvert Grant DeForest
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1921|7|23}} | birth_date = {{Birth date|1921|7|23}}
| birth_place = ], ], U.S. | birth_place = New York City, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2007|3|19|1921|7|23}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2007|3|19|1921|7|23}}
| death_place = ], U.S. | death_place = ], U.S.
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| years_active = 1972–2002 | years_active = 1972–2002
}} }}
'''Calvert Grant DeForest''' (July 23, 1921 – March 19, 2007), also known by his character name '''Larry''' "'''Bud'''" '''Melman''', was an American actor and comedian, best known for his appearances on '']'' and '']''. He was the great-nephew of inventor ], after whom ] was named.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wagstaff|title=The Last Amateur: Calvert DeForest, 1921 – 2007|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/tv/the-last-amateur-calvert-deforest-19212007/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=www.slantmagazine.com|language=en-US}}</ref> '''Calvert Grant DeForest''' (July 23, 1921 – March 19, 2007), also known by his character name '''Larry''' "'''Bud'''" '''Melman''', was an American actor and comedian, best known for his appearances on '']'' and '']''.


==Biography== ==Biography==


===Early life=== ===Early life===
DeForest grew up in ].<ref>https://www.nysun.com/obituaries/calvert-deforest-85-raised-to-fame-as-larry-bud/50970</ref> He was born to Calvert Martin DeForest, M.D., a physician who died in 1949, and Mabelle (Taylor) DeForest.<ref name="nytimes.com">Lee, Jennifer , ''New York Times'', March 22, 2007.</ref> His father was a cousin of radio pioneer ].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COSIxe1GS2Q</ref> DeForest grew up in ].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nysun.com/obituaries/calvert-deforest-85-raised-to-fame-as-larry-bud/50970| title = Calvert DeForest, 85, Raised to Fame as Larry 'Bud' Melman}}</ref> He was born to Calvert Martin DeForest, M.D., a physician who died in 1930 at the age of 49, and Mabelle (Taylor) DeForest.<ref name="nytimes.com">Lee, Jennifer , ''New York Times'', March 22, 2007.</ref> He claimed that his father was related to radio pioneer ].<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COSIxe1GS2Q| title = Tom Snyder's Last Cable Show w/Bob Newhart, Calvert DeForest, Dec. 1, 1994 | website=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


DeForest attended ] in ], ]. He was employed for many years as a ] at the pharmaceutical company ], which was later acquired by ]. He had aspirations of acting but was discouraged by his mother, who was briefly an actress herself. After her death in 1969, DeForest did part-time backstage work, which eventually led to acting work, and is credited with appearing in five films from 1972 to 1982. He worked part-time as a receptionist at a drug rehabilitation center until February 1984, when his supervisor learned of his employment with NBC and his resulting ineligibility for the position (as it was part of a program designed for those who made under $6,000 a year) and asked him to resign.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/12/arts/leterman-aide-loses-a-job.html |title=Letterman Aide Loses a Job |newspaper=] |date=1984-03-12|access-date=2014-04-28}}</ref> DeForest attended ] in ], ]. He was employed for many years as a ] at the pharmaceutical company ], which was later acquired by ]. He had aspirations of acting but was discouraged by his mother, who was briefly an actress herself. After her death in 1969, DeForest did part-time backstage work, which eventually led to acting work, and is credited with appearing in five films from 1972 to 1982. He worked part-time as a receptionist at a drug rehabilitation center until February 1984, when his supervisor learned of his employment with NBC and his resulting ineligibility for the position (as it was part of a program designed for those who made under $6,000 a year) and asked him to resign.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/12/arts/leterman-aide-loses-a-job.html |title=Letterman Aide Loses a Job |newspaper=] |date=1984-03-12|access-date=2014-04-28}}</ref>


===Work with David Letterman=== ===Work with David Letterman===
{{more citations needed section|date=December 2021}}
In early 1982, DeForest was hired to appear on the new show '']''. His late-blossoming television career began with a New York University student film project called ''King of the Zs'', by future Letterman writers ] and Karl Tiedemann, who brought him along when they joined the '']'' writing staff.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> The ] noted: "DeForest's gnomish face was the first to greet viewers when Letterman's NBC show debuted on February 1, 1982, offering a parody of the prologue to the ] film '']''. 'It was the greatest thing that had happened in my life,' he once said of his first Letterman appearance."<ref name=AP-CBS-obit>{{cite news | agency=Associated Press | title= Letterman's Larry 'Bud' Melman actor dies | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/larry-bud-melman-actor-dies-at-85/ | date=2007-03-21 }}</ref> In early 1982, DeForest was hired to appear on the new NBC program '']''. His late-blossoming television career began with a New York University student film project called ''King of the Zs'', by future Letterman writers ] and Karl Tiedemann, who brought him along when they joined the '']'' writing staff.<ref name="nytimes.com" /> The ] noted: "DeForest's gnomish face was the first to greet viewers when ]'s NBC show debuted on February 1, 1982, offering a parody of the prologue to the ] film '']''. 'It was the greatest thing that had happened in my life,' he once said of his first Letterman appearance."<ref name=AP-CBS-obit>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Letterman's Larry 'Bud' Melman actor dies |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/larry-bud-melman-actor-dies-at-85/ |date=2007-03-21 |work=CBS News}}</ref>


⚫ On ''Late Night'', DeForest played the role of Larry "Bud" Melman. ''Late Night'' talent coordinator Sandra Furton described him as a "]",<ref>{{cite web |title=The Backstory of Letterman Legend Larry 'Bud' Melman |publisher=] |access-date=April 25, 2019 |year=2014 |first=Brian |last=Abrams |url=https://dangerousminds.net/comments/the_backstory_of_letterman_legend_larry_bud_melman}}</ref> but Melman had no real fixed or defined role on the show. He was simply an older, short, portly man with thick black-framed glasses who was seen relatively frequently, especially in the early years. In the first few years of the show, the Melman character was somewhat of an entrepreneur, appearing in ads for "Melman Bus Lines" as well as for "Mr. Larry's Toast On A Stick" ("]'s answer to the ]"). He was also ostensibly the producer of the show as the head of "Melman Productions", although this facet of the character was soon dropped. The character's teenage son, Troy "Chipper" Melman (who rarely spoke, and usually just coughed uncontrollably) was seen occasionally alongside his father in various ads.
On ''Late Night'', DeForest played the role of Larry "Bud" Melman. ''Late Night'' talent coordinator Sandra Furton described him as a "]",<ref>{{cite web
|title=The Backstory of Letterman Legend Larry 'Bud' Melman
|publisher=]
|access-date=April 25, 2019
|year=2014
|first=Brian
|last=Abrams
⚫ |url=https://dangerousminds.net/comments/the_backstory_of_letterman_legend_larry_bud_melman}}</ref> but Melman had no real fixed or defined role on the show. He was simply an older, short, portly man with thick black-framed glasses who was seen relatively frequently, especially in the early years. In the first few years of the show, the Melman character was somewhat of an entrepreneur, appearing in ads for "Melman Bus Lines" as well as for "Mr. Larry's Toast On A Stick" ("]'s answer to the ]"). He was also ostensibly the producer of the show as the head of "Melman Productions", although this facet of the character was quickly dropped. The character's teenage son, Troy "Chipper" Melman (who rarely spoke, and usually just coughed uncontrollably) was seen occasionally alongside his father in various ads.


Outside the pre-taped ads, Melman would sometimes be given odd chores to perform by Letterman, such as handing out hot towels to arrivals at the ]. At other times, Melman would give (pre-scripted) answers to unlikely audience questions, or appear at unexpected moments to heckle Letterman or the audience. Melman also appeared numerous times as "Kenny The Gardener," offering dubious gardening advice to home viewers, followed by a song performed in an inimitably tuneless-but-enthusiastic style. Occasionally, Melman would just simply wander onto the stage during Letterman's monologue as if lost, then leave without saying anything. Outside the pre-taped ads, Melman would sometimes be given odd chores to perform by Letterman, such as handing out hot towels to arrivals at the ]. At other times, Melman would give pre-scripted answers to unlikely audience questions, or appear unexpectedly to heckle Letterman or the audience. Melman also appeared numerous times as "Kenny The Gardener," offering dubious gardening advice to home viewers, followed by a song performed in a tuneless-but-enthusiastic style. Occasionally, Melman would just simply wander onto the stage during Letterman's monologue as if lost, then leave without saying anything.


A hallmark of the Melman character was his seemingly genuine lack of acting polish. Melman's scripted lines were clearly read from cue cards and usually delivered in a forceful shout—but when Letterman or others forced "Melman" into ad-libbing, the actor's naturally more soft-spoken and polite nature came to the forefront. As well, Melman routinely fluffed or mangled lines, but gamely persevered with whatever sketch he was in. He was also noted for his remote interviews in which he would ask the interviewee a question, but pitch the microphone to the interviewee too quickly, resulting in the last part of the question being inaudible. As a result of his performances, he became hugely popular with fans of the show, often being greeted with loud cheers and applause before even speaking. A hallmark of the Melman character was his seemingly genuine lack of acting polish. Melman's scripted lines were clearly read from cue cards and usually delivered in a forceful shout—but when Letterman or others forced "Melman" into ad-libbing, the actor's naturally more soft-spoken and polite demeanor came to the forefront. Melman routinely flubbed or mangled lines, but gamely persevered with whatever sketch he was in. He was also noted for his remote interviews in which he would ask the interviewee a question, but pitch the microphone to the interviewee too quickly, resulting in the last part of the question being inaudible to Dave and the audience. As a result of his frequent appearances, he became hugely popular with fans of ''Late Night'', often being greeted with loud cheers and applause before even speaking.


When Letterman moved from ] to CBS in 1993, the Melman name was retired, as NBC insisted that the character of "Larry 'Bud' Melman" was their ]. However, starting from the very first edition of '']'', DeForest continued to play exactly the same character he had played on ''Late Night'' — he now simply used his own name to do so. DeForest often "drew laughs by his bizarre juxtaposition as a ''Late Show'' correspondent at events such as the ] in Norway and the Woodstock anniversary concert that year."<ref name=AP-CBS-obit/> One of DeForest's more memorable skits came on Letterman's May 13, 1994 show in ]. The host stated ] would announce the evening's Top 10 list, at which point DeForest appeared as "Johnny Carson." Shortly after DeForest's exit, the real Johnny Carson appeared in what would prove to be Carson's last television appearance. When Letterman moved from ] to ] in 1993, the Melman name was retired, as NBC insisted that the character of "Larry 'Bud' Melman" was their ]. However, starting from the first edition of '']'', DeForest continued to play exactly the same character he had played on ''Late Night'', now simply using his real name. DeForest often "drew laughs by his bizarre juxtaposition as a ''Late Show'' correspondent at events such as the ] in Norway and the Woodstock anniversary concert that year."<ref name=AP-CBS-obit /> One of DeForest's more memorable skits came on Letterman's May 13, 1994 show in ]. The host stated ] would announce the evening's Top 10 list, at which point DeForest appeared as "Johnny Carson." Shortly after DeForest's exit, the real Johnny Carson appeared in what would prove to be Carson's last television appearance.


DeForest continued to appear on Letterman's show until his 81st birthday in 2002 before retiring from acting. He had appeared in 15 outside films or TV shows since he began his association with Letterman in 1982. DeForest continued to appear on Letterman's show until his 81st birthday in 2002 before retiring from acting. He had appeared in 15 outside films or TV shows since he began his association with Letterman in 1982.


Letterman noted after DeForest's death: "Everyone always wondered if Calvert was an actor playing a character, but in reality he was just himself: a genuine, modest and nice man. To our staff and to our viewers, he was a beloved and valued part of our show, and we will miss him."<ref name=AP-CBS-obit/> When asked how he'd like to be remembered, DeForest responded, "Just being able to make people laugh and knowing people enjoyed my humor. I also hope I haven't offended anyone through the years."<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709053114/http://www.fadetoblack.com/interviews/larrybudmelman/page3.htm |date=2008-07-09 }}.</ref> Letterman noted after DeForest's death: "Everyone always wondered if Calvert was an actor playing a character, but in reality he was just himself: a genuine, modest, and nice man. To our staff and to our viewers, he was a beloved and valued part of our show, and we will miss him."<ref name=AP-CBS-obit /> When asked how he'd like to be remembered, DeForest responded, "Just being able to make people laugh and knowing people enjoyed my humor. I also hope I haven't offended anyone through the years."<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709053114/http://www.fadetoblack.com/interviews/larrybudmelman/page3.htm |date=2008-07-09}}.</ref>


===Other appearances=== ===Other appearances===
He was co-host (in charge of the digital switcher) on the local SF Bay Area radio program, ''10@10'', on ] with Dave Morey. He was co-host (in charge of the digital switcher) on the local SF Bay Area radio program, ''10@10'', on ] with Dave Morey.


In 1985, he appeared in the ] for the ] song "]" as a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXzWlPL_TKw |title=RUN-DMC – King Of Rock |publisher=Youtube.com |access-date=2014-04-28}}</ref> In 1985, he appeared in the ] for the ] song "]" as a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXzWlPL_TKw | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/qXzWlPL_TKw| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=RUN-DMC – King Of Rock |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2014-04-28}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


In 1989, he appeared in the ] video for the song "Think About It" as the villainous Dr. Norecords.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixYvr0s0E44 |title=Special Ed-Think About It |publisher=YouTube |date=2007-11-14 |access-date=2014-04-28}}</ref> In 1989, he appeared in the ] video for the song "Think About It" as the villainous Dr. Norecords.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixYvr0s0E44 |title=Special Ed-Think About It |publisher=YouTube |date=2007-11-14 |access-date=2014-04-28}}</ref>
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In 1994, he wrote a humor book called ''Cheap Advice''. In 1994, he wrote a humor book called ''Cheap Advice''.


In 1994, he appeared in the ] for the ] song "]" as a cowboy sidekick.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaT5wWyjd2A |title=Vince Gill - What The Cowgirls Do |publisher=Youtube.com |access-date=2014-04-28}}</ref> In 1994, he appeared in the ] for the ] song "]" as a cowboy sidekick.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaT5wWyjd2A | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/HaT5wWyjd2A| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=Vince Gill - What The Cowgirls Do |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2014-04-28}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


In 1997, he made a cameo appearance in episode 164 of '']'' (16th episode of the 8th season) entitled "]". In 1997, he made a cameo appearance in episode 164 of '']'' (16th episode of the 8th season) entitled "]".


In the late 1990s, he often appeared in various television ads including ones for ], ] and ]. In the late 1990s, he often appeared in various television ads including ones for ], ] and ].


In 1999, he recorded the lounge compilation CD ''Calvert DeForest's Erotic Experience'', a collection of cover songs, published October 12, 1999 by Mars Entertainment. In 1999, he recorded the lounge compilation CD ''Calvert DeForest's Erotic Experience'', a collection of cover songs, published October 12, 1999 by Mars Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calvert DeForest's Erotic Experience |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/erotic-experience-mw0000609574 |website=www.AllMusic.com}}</ref>


DeForest also appeared on the albums '']'' and '']'' by ], doing some of the voices that can be heard before and after certain tracks (examples are: Hand Grenades, Change the World and Cocktails.) In late March 2007, a 20-minute clip of DeForest recording the voices for their album was posted on The Offspring's website. DeForest also appeared on the albums '']'' and '']'' by ], doing some of the voices that can be heard before and after certain tracks (examples are: “Hand Grenades,” “Change the World,” and “Cocktails”.) In late March 2007, a 20-minute clip of DeForest recording the voices for their album was posted on The Offspring's website.


He appeared at ] to announce ]' late night set by proclaiming, "Ladies and gentlemen, punch your balls off and please welcome Nine Inch Nails!" He appeared at ] to announce ]' late night set by proclaiming, "Ladies and gentlemen, punch your balls off and please welcome Nine Inch Nails!"
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==Filmography== ==Filmography==
* ''While the Cat's Away'', movie (1972) * ''While the Cat's Away'', movie (1972)
* ''Mrs. Barrington'', movie (1974) * ''Mrs. Barrington'', movie (1974)
* ''Apple Pie'', movie (1976) * ''Apple Pie'', movie (1976)
* ''Blond Poison'', movie (1979) * ''Blond Poison'', movie (1979)
* '']'', movie (1980) * '']'', movie (1980)
* '']'' (1982-1993) as "Larry 'Bud' Melman" * '']'' (1982–1993) as "Larry 'Bud' Melman"
* ''The First Time'', movie (1982) * ''The First Time'', movie (1982)
* '']'', movie (1984) * '']'', movie (1984)
* "Cleanin' Up the Town", ] music video (1984) * "Cleanin' Up the Town", ] music video (1984)
* "]", ] music video (1985) * "]", ] music video (1985)
* '']'', movie (1985) * '']'', movie (1985)
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* ''The Couch Potato Workout'', video (1988), as "Larry 'Bud' Melman" * ''The Couch Potato Workout'', video (1988), as "Larry 'Bud' Melman"
* '']'', movie (1993), as "Larry 'Bud' Melman" * '']'', movie (1993), as "Larry 'Bud' Melman"
* '']'' (1993-2002) * '']'' (1993–2002)
* '']'', movie (1994) * '']'', movie (1994)
* "What The Cowgirls Do", ] music video (1994) * "What The Cowgirls Do", ] music video (1994)
* ''Encino Woman'', TV movie (1996) * ''Encino Woman'', TV movie (1996)
* '']'', cameo, (1997) * '']'', cameo, (1997)
* '"American Psycho", ] music video (1997) * "American Psycho", ] music video (1997)
* "]", ] music video (1997) * "]", ] music video (1997)


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Deforest, Calvert}} {{DEFAULTSORT:DeForest, Calvert}}
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Latest revision as of 01:15, 4 August 2024

American comedian; also known as Larry "Bud" Melman
Calvert DeForest
DeForest in 1990
BornCalvert Grant DeForest
(1921-07-23)July 23, 1921
New York City, U.S.
DiedMarch 19, 2007(2007-03-19) (aged 85)
West Islip, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian
Years active1972–2002

Calvert Grant DeForest (July 23, 1921 – March 19, 2007), also known by his character name Larry "Bud" Melman, was an American actor and comedian, best known for his appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman.

Biography

Early life

DeForest grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He was born to Calvert Martin DeForest, M.D., a physician who died in 1930 at the age of 49, and Mabelle (Taylor) DeForest. He claimed that his father was related to radio pioneer Lee de Forest.

DeForest attended Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. He was employed for many years as a file clerk at the pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis, which was later acquired by Pfizer. He had aspirations of acting but was discouraged by his mother, who was briefly an actress herself. After her death in 1969, DeForest did part-time backstage work, which eventually led to acting work, and is credited with appearing in five films from 1972 to 1982. He worked part-time as a receptionist at a drug rehabilitation center until February 1984, when his supervisor learned of his employment with NBC and his resulting ineligibility for the position (as it was part of a program designed for those who made under $6,000 a year) and asked him to resign.

Work with David Letterman

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In early 1982, DeForest was hired to appear on the new NBC program Late Night with David Letterman. His late-blossoming television career began with a New York University student film project called King of the Zs, by future Letterman writers Stephen Winer and Karl Tiedemann, who brought him along when they joined the Late Night writing staff. The Associated Press noted: "DeForest's gnomish face was the first to greet viewers when Letterman's NBC show debuted on February 1, 1982, offering a parody of the prologue to the Boris Karloff film Frankenstein. 'It was the greatest thing that had happened in my life,' he once said of his first Letterman appearance."

On Late Night, DeForest played the role of Larry "Bud" Melman. Late Night talent coordinator Sandra Furton described him as a "mascot", but Melman had no real fixed or defined role on the show. He was simply an older, short, portly man with thick black-framed glasses who was seen relatively frequently, especially in the early years. In the first few years of the show, the Melman character was somewhat of an entrepreneur, appearing in ads for "Melman Bus Lines" as well as for "Mr. Larry's Toast On A Stick" ("Bread's answer to the Popsicle!"). He was also ostensibly the producer of the show as the head of "Melman Productions", although this facet of the character was soon dropped. The character's teenage son, Troy "Chipper" Melman (who rarely spoke, and usually just coughed uncontrollably) was seen occasionally alongside his father in various ads.

Outside the pre-taped ads, Melman would sometimes be given odd chores to perform by Letterman, such as handing out hot towels to arrivals at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. At other times, Melman would give pre-scripted answers to unlikely audience questions, or appear unexpectedly to heckle Letterman or the audience. Melman also appeared numerous times as "Kenny The Gardener," offering dubious gardening advice to home viewers, followed by a song performed in a tuneless-but-enthusiastic style. Occasionally, Melman would just simply wander onto the stage during Letterman's monologue as if lost, then leave without saying anything.

A hallmark of the Melman character was his seemingly genuine lack of acting polish. Melman's scripted lines were clearly read from cue cards and usually delivered in a forceful shout—but when Letterman or others forced "Melman" into ad-libbing, the actor's naturally more soft-spoken and polite demeanor came to the forefront. Melman routinely flubbed or mangled lines, but gamely persevered with whatever sketch he was in. He was also noted for his remote interviews in which he would ask the interviewee a question, but pitch the microphone to the interviewee too quickly, resulting in the last part of the question being inaudible to Dave and the audience. As a result of his frequent appearances, he became hugely popular with fans of Late Night, often being greeted with loud cheers and applause before even speaking.

When Letterman moved from NBC to CBS in 1993, the Melman name was retired, as NBC insisted that the character of "Larry 'Bud' Melman" was their intellectual property. However, starting from the first edition of Late Show with David Letterman, DeForest continued to play exactly the same character he had played on Late Night, now simply using his real name. DeForest often "drew laughs by his bizarre juxtaposition as a Late Show correspondent at events such as the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway and the Woodstock anniversary concert that year." One of DeForest's more memorable skits came on Letterman's May 13, 1994 show in Los Angeles. The host stated Johnny Carson would announce the evening's Top 10 list, at which point DeForest appeared as "Johnny Carson." Shortly after DeForest's exit, the real Johnny Carson appeared in what would prove to be Carson's last television appearance.

DeForest continued to appear on Letterman's show until his 81st birthday in 2002 before retiring from acting. He had appeared in 15 outside films or TV shows since he began his association with Letterman in 1982.

Letterman noted after DeForest's death: "Everyone always wondered if Calvert was an actor playing a character, but in reality he was just himself: a genuine, modest, and nice man. To our staff and to our viewers, he was a beloved and valued part of our show, and we will miss him." When asked how he'd like to be remembered, DeForest responded, "Just being able to make people laugh and knowing people enjoyed my humor. I also hope I haven't offended anyone through the years."

Other appearances

He was co-host (in charge of the digital switcher) on the local SF Bay Area radio program, 10@10, on KFOG with Dave Morey.

In 1985, he appeared in the music video for the Run-DMC song "King of Rock" as a security guard.

In 1989, he appeared in the Special Ed video for the song "Think About It" as the villainous Dr. Norecords.

In 1994, he wrote a humor book called Cheap Advice.

In 1994, he appeared in the music video for the Vince Gill song "What The Cowgirls Do" as a cowboy sidekick.

In 1997, he made a cameo appearance in episode 164 of Wings (16th episode of the 8th season) entitled "Escape from New York".

In the late 1990s, he often appeared in various television ads including ones for Tropicana Twister, 1-800-Collect and Little Caesars.

In 1999, he recorded the lounge compilation CD Calvert DeForest's Erotic Experience, a collection of cover songs, published October 12, 1999 by Mars Entertainment.

DeForest also appeared on the albums Americana and Ixnay on the Hombre by The Offspring, doing some of the voices that can be heard before and after certain tracks (examples are: “Hand Grenades,” “Change the World,” and “Cocktails”.) In late March 2007, a 20-minute clip of DeForest recording the voices for their album was posted on The Offspring's website.

He appeared at Woodstock '94 to announce Nine Inch Nails' late night set by proclaiming, "Ladies and gentlemen, punch your balls off and please welcome Nine Inch Nails!"

He appeared on the first episode of the 1996 series The Dana Carvey Show on ABC.

He appeared as Rusty in the 1986 episode The Gang's All Here of the television show Pee-wee's Playhouse.

Death

After years of poor health, DeForest died at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York, on Long Island, on March 19, 2007. Per his request, no funeral services were held; he was cremated and his remains were interred at Pinelawn Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York. By all press accounts, he left no surviving relatives.

Filmography

References

  1. "Calvert DeForest, 85, Raised to Fame as Larry 'Bud' Melman".
  2. ^ Lee, Jennifer "Calvert DeForest, 85, Larry (Bud) Melman on 'Letterman', Dies", New York Times, March 22, 2007.
  3. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Tom Snyder's Last Cable Show w/Bob Newhart, Calvert DeForest, Dec. 1, 1994". YouTube.
  4. "Letterman Aide Loses a Job". The New York Times. 1984-03-12. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  5. ^ "Letterman's Larry 'Bud' Melman actor dies". CBS News. Associated Press. 2007-03-21.
  6. Abrams, Brian (2014). "The Backstory of Letterman Legend Larry 'Bud' Melman". Dangerous Minds. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  7. FADE TO BLACK PRESENTS – Calvert Deforest, a.k.a. Larry Bud Melman Archived 2008-07-09 at the Wayback Machine.
  8. "RUN-DMC – King Of Rock". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  9. "Special Ed-Think About It". YouTube. 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  10. "Vince Gill - What The Cowgirls Do". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  11. "Calvert DeForest's Erotic Experience". www.AllMusic.com.
  12. "Pee Wee's Playhouse Season 1 Episode 12". IMDb. IMDb. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  13. "Letterman sidekick Calvert DeForest dead at 85". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2007-03-26. Retrieved 2007-03-21.

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