Topo Gigio Voice Actor Peppino Mazzullo Dies at 100

Peppino Mazzullo, the Italian actor who voiced the beloved puppet Topo Gigio, died Wednesday at his home in Santo Stefano di Briga, Italy. He was 100.

Mazzullo gained international fame for his humorous performances alongside Topo Gigio on ABC's "The Ed Sullivan Show." The 10-inch tall puppet, created by Maria Perego, debuted on the show on Dec. 9, 1962. Mazzullo and Topo Gigio made more than 50 appearances on the series, including Sullivan's final broadcast on June 6, 1971.

Topo Gigio charmed audiences with its signature greeting, "Hello, Eddie," and concluded each segment with, "Eddie, kiss me goodnight." The puppet's playful persona contrasted with Sullivan's often reserved on-screen demeanor.

According to "The Ed Sullivan Show" website, the puppet's inclusion aimed to make Sullivan more engaging for younger viewers and compete with "The Wonderful World of Disney."

Mazzullo, born June 6, 1926, in Messina, Italy, began his acting career in Santo Stefano. He studied at the Academy of Cinematographic Art in Rome and the Academy of Dramatic Art in Milan. Before his iconic role, Mazzullo worked in radio for RAI and voiced Topo Gigio in the 1961 film "The Magic World of Topo Gigio." He continued to voice the puppet until 2006.

After retiring from performing, Mazzullo founded the Piccolissimo Teatro di Messina and taught acting.