Bill Dana

Bill Dana (October 5, 1924 – June 15, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter. He gained popularity for his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, often portraying a Bolivian character named José Jiménez. Dana's portrayal of Jiménez included a heavily accented voice and often depicted him as an astronaut. Born as William Szathmary in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dana changed his last name to honor his mother, Dena. He was of Hungarian Jewish descent and had a multicultural upbringing, surrounded by various languages. In addition to his comedy career, Dana also worked as a screenwriter. He left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry through his memorable character and comedic talent.