Beloved "Ben" Optimistic After Stroke
Archbold suffered the stroke Wednesday morning
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Ralph Archbold as Benjamin Franklin, during better days, at a July 4th Let Freedom Ring Celebration in Philadelphia.
Ralph Archbold, well known as the Philly's No. 1 Benjamin Franklin impersonator, is "optimistic" and "looking forward to getting back to work" after having a stroke last week, a friend said.
The beloved impersonator, 67, was alert and cracking jokes Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, longtime friend J. Nathan Bazzel told Philly.com.
"He keeps asking for a New York strip steak and Diet Coke, which they're not letting him have," said Bazzel, a Thomas Jefferson impersonator.
Archbold suffered the stroke Wednesday morning while he was at home with his wife, Linda Wilde, a noted Betsy Ross impersonator, Philly.com reported.
According to Philly Future, the city's thoughts and prayers are with Archbold -- who has performed for U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries, among others -- as he recovers.
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 6:22 PM EST
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