Alton Wood, 89; Co-Founded L.A.’s Bob Baker Marionettes
Alton Wood, 89, partner and co-founder of Bob Baker Marionette Productions, one of the longest continuously running puppet theaters in the United States, died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles.
A native of Mathais, Texas, Wood grew up in San Antonio. His first professional interest was music, and he graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in music.
After graduation, Wood studied piano in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles. After meeting Baker in 1949, Wood’s focus turned to the art of puppet manipulation. Together they formed the company, with Wood as business manager and a top performer.
Their touring companies were known throughout Southern California for their performances at fairs and art festivals.
They also appeared in films, television shows and commercials. Wood was a past president of the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry.
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