Jun 19, 2009 1:45 pm US/Eastern
Ben Franklin Impersonator Suffers Stroke
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The man widely recognized as the official Benjamin Franklin for the City of Philadelphia, suffered a stroke Wednesday morning at his home.
Ralph Archbold, 67, was taken to Riddle Memorial Hospital where he was flown to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to receive immediate care. His family reports that the iconic figure is tired from the event and resting comfortably.
"There appears to be no effect to his memory, and his legendary humor and wit are as sharp as ever," said his family in a statement released to CBS3.
Archbold, who began portraying Ben Franklin in 1973 at Deerfield Village in Michigan, has been in Philadelphia since 1982 where he quickly gained wide-spread acclaim and national attention for his portrayal of America's first diplomat.
His numerous television appearances include every network morning program, the History Channel, the Super Bowl, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and even a week as Stephen Colbert's "side-kick" on the Colbert Report during recent broadcasts from Philadelphia.
He will continue to be evaluated at the UPenn, an institution founded, appropriately, by Ralph's alter-ego, Ben Franklin.
"Ralph's wife, Linda and his children would like to thank Mayor Michael Nutter and the city for their kind wishes and prayers. They ask for your consideration and understanding at this time as they focus their attention on Ralph," the release said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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