John Bliss

John Bliss (born October 8, 1930 in Peoria, Illinois) was an American actor whose career spanned more than six decades, encompassing stage, television, and film. He was born to a pair of itinerant actors who concealed their profession due to the era’s stigma, moving frequently between Florida, New York, and Europe while exposing young John to the rigors of live performance from an early age. Bliss’s early forays into acting included appearances on classic anthology series such as Studio One, Playhouse 90, and Kraft Theater during the 1950s, establishing his reputation as a reliable character actor. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he accumulated a steady stream of guest spots, most notably as Emile in the Get Smart episode “Bronzefinger,” and later as Mr. Pickering on the cult favorite Andy Richter Controls the Universe. His most recognizable role came in the 2000s when he portrayed the beloved 8th‑grade social‑studies teacher Irving Pal on the Nickelodeon series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, endearing himself to a new generation of viewers. In addition to his television work, Bliss shared a memorable on‑set anecdote about Intolerable Cruelty, where a young George Clooney politely addressed him as “Mr. Bliss” and offered food, a story Bliss treasured until his passing. His career, which remained active until 2007, demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the craft, earning respect from peers and audiences alike. Bliss died on February 28, 2008 in Glendale, California, succumbing to complications from an aortic aneurysm at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, professionalism, and enduring comedic timing.