House Peters Jr., actor who played Mr. Clean, dies at 92

Mr. Clean gets rid of dirt and grime and grease in just a minute.

Mr. Clean can clean your whole house and everything that’s in it.

Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean!

I listened to that catchy jingle when I was a baby. Darn thing is imprinted in my brain.

Even today, when I clean my kitchens and bathrooms (which is admittedly not that often), I hum the Mr. Clean advertising jingle. No, not out loud.

So I was sad today to hear that the actor who first played Mr. Clean –- House Peters Jr. -- died in Los Angeles.

But I was stunned to hear that he was 92! That's a very ripe old age.

Musta been clean living?

Sorry.

For more about the actor who first portrayed the household hygiene icon, keep reading.

And if you have any fond memories of Mr. Clean, please leave a comment. C'mon, I know there are some secret Mr. Clean fans out there!

Peters' acting career was from 1935 to 1967. He appeared as an MP captain in "The Day the Earth Stood Still," in "Flash Gordon," as Dr. Goulting in "Red Planet Mars," a technician in "Target Earth," a reporter in "The Great Sioux Massacre."

He also appeared on TV shows such as “The Gene Autry Show,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Annie Oakley,” Lawman,” “77 Sunset Strip” and “Lassie.”

He wrote an autobiography, "Another Side of Hollywood," in which he wrote about being the son of an actress and silent film actor, Robert House Peters Sr., who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

According to AP, he was never a leading man, but he played many marvelous characters in westerns and even won a Golden Boot Award in 2000 for his lifetime contributions to the western genre.

Peters Jr. was born Jan. 12, 1916, in New Rochelle, N.Y., as Robert House Peters Jr. His son told AP that his dad studied drama in high school and was inspired to pursue an acting career.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy Pickett, a daughter, another son and four grandchildren.

Here's Variety's obit too.

Comments

[H Dryer]

I remember the Mr. Clean commercials, and even now the jingle comes right to me.

But, wow, 92? He did live a full life.
RIP Mr. Clean!

[RogerF]

Good to see he lived a long life. He must have stayed away from those harsh chemicals he was selling to housewives.

If he was 92, I wonder if he and McCain were nursing home buddies: http://tinyurl.com/5zr47h

[robin]

My parents tell the story, that I would run away from the dinner table, whenever the Mr. Clean commericals came on TV. I loved seeing him ride his white horse, and carrying the large lance.
I think it's because of Mr. Clean that today, I admire men with big shoulders, and I have a love of horses.

[BobT]

I remember meeting him in Lake Tahoe several years ago.

He was doing celebrity appearances. Very nice man.

[DwayneT]

RogerF, apparently a kool-aid drinker for the extreme radical Left who cannot help manage his psychological compulsion to inject politics into everything including a tribute to a piece of history now passed away, wonders aloud if, at 92, Mr. Clean and Senator McCain were nursing home buddies. The answer is, obviously not, since Senator McCain was never admitted to a nursing home. However, RogerF might check on Joe Biden who actually has been in the Senate longer than John McCain.

[LOUIS PAWLOSKI]

I have had a personal soft spot for Mr. Clean for a number of years.

At my present job, everybody tells me I look like Mr. Clean. They call me Mr. Clean.

Other sales people will have customers and approach my saying, "You know, you look like...". I reply, "Yes, I know."

I have been Mr Clean to my friends and customers for over three years now.

I am muscular, bushy white eyebrows, bald (shaved) head, but no ear ring.

I am saddened by the loss of my Icon.

I have a picture of the cartoon Mr. Clean on my desk He is on the left side of the frame and I am on the right.

I'm going to miss him.

[Tom Hoover]

House Peters Jr. was my grandfather. He was an interesting, charismatic, incredibly stubborn but good hearted man. He was a self starter and seemed to know how to do just about everything. Even though I only knew him long after his acting career was over, you could see glimmers of the actor within him in everything he did. He had that certain something. For the record, he has two sons (my uncles), on daughter (my mom), 4 grand children and three great grandchildren.

[Nancy]

I to have fond memories of House. He was one of my Uncle Jim's (also passed) best friends during their "days in Hollywood". Have thought of he and his family often and visiting their home on the Lake when the area was still very new. They have always held a warm place in my heart. My condolences go out to them. I know he will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories House and Lucy.

[Bother Patrick]

I remember the Mr Clean commercials quite clearly. My brothers and I used to imitate him when we "played super-heros", crossing our arms etc. My condolences to the family and friends that knew him better then I.

[Bil]

I knew "Mr. Clean" (in the early '60's before he took the gig for the cleaner) when he entertained hundreds of visitors to Avalon, Catalina off the coast of Southern California. We called him "Duke." He was the official greeter for the City of Avalon and put on a welcoming show twice a day as passengers debarked "the Big White Steamer," As a young teen, I felt great pride when Duke remembered my name every year when I visited for our family vacation. His big smile and sincere personality made everybody feel welcome. RIP Duke from all of the kids you make feel important. BIL GEKAS

[GL Mattson]

My wife and I met Mr. Peters and his wife at breakfast at the Best Western in Lone Pine in October 2005 where we were staying. They were both very pleasant and cordial and we enjoyed our visit with them. Our condolences to his wife and family.

[Dan]

Just heard through a friend in Canada...didn't know any background until I read the link...I called him an "icon" before reading the link, and comments...per others, shame on the negatives...leave your politics and ignorant comments about "chemicals" at home...

Dan O

[mrcleangene]

I love Mr. Clean so much I named my office cleaning business after him.
RIP my dear freiend!

Sincerely;

mrcleangene

May the legacy continue!