A look back at Bob Uecker’s best acting roles

A six-year major league veteran as a catcher, Uecker was able to use his wit and self-deprecating humor to become one of the great voices in baseball. He spent 54 years as a broadcaster for the Brewers and was inducted into the broadcasting wing of the Hall of Fame in 2003. His acceptance speech was a masterclass in humor, storytelling and humility. 

Uecker was not just beloved for his time as a broadcaster. He had an extensive second career as an actor, with several iconic roles on television and in film. Uecker made appearances in professional wrestling and was a natural in commercials. Let’s take a look back at some of his most beloved roles in his acting career.

Harry Doyle – “Major League” trilogy

The tale of the hapless Cleveland Indians and their ragtag group of players would not have been the same without Uecker. He played broadcaster Harry Doyle, a quick-witted, sarcastic announcer who provided commentary to the game action. It was a role Uecker was born to play.

George Owens – “Mr. Belvedere”

Life imitated art when it came to Uecker’s role in “Mr. Belvedere.” The father of the Owens family, Uecker played a gruff former baseball player who became a sports journalist in Pittsburgh. He naturally clashed with the more worldly butler, threatening to fire him multiple times over the years. Uecker was a natural in that role as the perfect foil to his sophisticated butler.

Himself – Miller Lite commercials

Uecker’s acting career got its start in advertising. He appeared several times during the Miller Lite “Tastes Great/Less Filling” segments. However, Uecker is best remembered for when he was sitting in the wrong seats, saying that he “must be in the front row” as a former player before being sat in the nosebleed section. 

Himself – WWE

Uecker was not just a baseball announcer. He was a guest announcer at WrestleMania III, featuring Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant as the headlining match, and WrestleMania IV. 

Uecker made the mistake of mouthing off to the 520-pound Giant, resulting in him getting choked. Uecker was one of the few people to have multiple guest appearances at WrestleMania and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.

Himself – “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”

Uecker was at his best when he was himself. His comedic chops and deadpan delivery made him a favorite guest of Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show,” with Uecker making dozens of appearances dating back to the early 1970s. 

Despite having everyone in stitches, he never deviated from his deadpan tone or changed facial expressions. He effortlessly bridged the gap between the sports world and entertainment, becoming a beloved figure on and off the diamond.