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.[1]

Archbold has appeared as Franklin for every President of the United States at the White House from Gerald Ford through Barack Obama.[1] He was appointed by George W. Bush to a 15-member commission to oversee the celebration of Franklin's 300th birthday.[2]

Archbold was born in Dearborn, Michigan. In 2008, he married Linda Wilde who was a known Betsy Ross impersonator in Philadelphia.[3] Archbold died on March 25, 2017 in Philadelphia from complications of congestive heart failure, aged 75.[4]

References
  1. 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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