William Saluga (September 16, 1937 – March 28, 2023) was an American comedian and founding member of the improvisational comedy troupe Ace Trucking Company.
He played numerous roles in notable productions, including Guys and Dolls and Inherit the Wind.
Saluga appeared alongside comedian/pitchman Norm Crosby echoing (in a roundabout way) Norm's advice to unknowing customers on how to more easily order the lengthily-named beer: "Well, y'doesn't hasta call it Anheuser Busch Natural Light Beer, and y'doesn't hasta call it 'Busch Natural.'
[4] From 1977 to 1978, Saluga appeared regularly as Raymond J. Johnson Jr. on Redd Foxx's eponymous variety show.
Saluga as Johnson also made appearances on This Is Tom Jones, Laugh-In and The David Steinberg Show.
[6] First appearing in 1977, a character called Zallman T. Tombstone, Jr. has popped up many times over the years on the Svengoolie television show.
He is a floating human skull with a thick mustache and a voice provided by Svengoolie portrayer Rich Koz.
The idea for the verse originated from Jerry Wexler, who suggested it during the recording sessions for Slow Train Coming.
[citation needed] Saluga died of cardiopulmonary arrest in Los Angeles on March 28, 2023, aged 85.