American baritone and actor (born 20 September 1931, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA – died September 21, 2021).
Palmer is best known for his portrayal of Li'l Abner, both on Broadway and on film. He attended the University of Illinois to study voice under Bruce Foote. He was the first music major to letter in football at the university. While at Illinois, he sang the national anthem at every home game in 1953 before taking the field. In 1956, Palmer was cast in the title role of the musical Li'l Abner, for which he won a Theatre World Award. In 1959, he reprised the same role in the movie version. He appeared on Broadway with Carol Channing in Lorelei in 1974. Throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Palmer appeared on numerous television episodes, including a small part on Dallas. Husband of Aniko Farrell.
United States· Milwaukee