Peter Palmer was an actor who starred in the title role of “Li’l Abner,” both on Broadway and in the 1959 movie adaptation.Palmer was a college football star at the University of Illinois before his acting career.
A music major, he also sang the national anthem in his full football uniform before some games he played in. His team won a Rose Bowl and two Big Ten championships.
After college, Palmer was drafted into the U.S. Army and served before beginning his acting career. He was cast in Broadway’s “Li’l Abner” in 1956, later winning a Theatre World Award for his performance in the hit musical.
The Broadway show and subsequent movie adaptation became the highlight of his career. Later roles included Broadway performances in “Brigadoon” and.
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