Michael King; Retired Actor

Michael King, a retired actor who also worked as a puppeteer and lighting technician, has died at his Tarzana home. He was 69.

King died Monday of a heart attack, said his daughter, Deborah Hayes of Sylmar.

Born Richard C. Wegener in Brooklyn, King appeared in several Broadway shows such as “Young Man’s Fancy,” “Hellzapoppin” and “Catherine Was Great” with Mae West. After serving in the Army during World War II, he became a puppeteer and worked on children’s television programs including “Pixie Playtime” and “Howdy Doody Time.” King later performed as a character actor on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” and “Playhouse 90” and appeared on “Bonanza,” “The Mod Squad” and in the film “The Legend of Lylah Clare” with Kim Novak.

In addition to his daughter, King is survived by his wife, Aletha Wegener, whose stage name is Lee Carney; and sisters Evelyn Lindberg of Woodland Hills and Doris Cragnotti and Madeline Wegener of Long Island, N.Y.

A memorial service was held Thursday. Lorenzen Mortuary in Reseda handled the arrangements.