Mel Welles (1924–2005) was born Ira W. Meltcher. He was an American actor and director. He had the distinction of playing Mr. Mushnick in Roger Corman's original film version of The Little Shop of Horrors.
His directing credits include Island of the Doomed (aka Maneater of Hydra) starring Cameron Mitchell, and Hello Glen Ward, House Dick starring Ray Danton. Code of Silence, the first feature film that Welles directed, features Bruno VeSota and Ed Nelson.
Notes[]
- In addition to his career in show business, Mel Welles had a PhD in psychology from Columbia University.
- Mr. Welles was name-checked by the SOL crew during the credits of both of the films in which he appeared. During The Undead, his name prompts Mike to riff "Hail, friend, and Mel Welles.". During Wizards II, his name prompts Crow to say "Hell's bells, it's Mel Welles!".
- There is no known familial connection between Mel Welles and actor/director Orson Welles or author H.G. Wells.
Riffed Movies[]
- The Undead (Episode #806) - as Digger Smolkin
- Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II (Episode #1111) - as Caedmon
- The Little Shop of Horrors (Mike Nelson Commentaries and RiffTrax) - as Gravis Mushnick
Gallery[]
Appearing in The Undead
Appearing in Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II
Appearing in The Little Shop of Horrors