Carleton Carpenter, a versatile actor, singer and writer who starred in Broadway shows, MGM musicals and TV series, passed away on January 31, 2024, at the age of 95. His friend Alan Eichler announced that he died of natural causes at his home in Warwick, New York. Carpenter was best known for his duet with Debbie Reynolds in the 1950 film Two Weeks with Love, where they performed the hit song “Aba Daba Honeymoon”.
Early Life and Career
Carleton Upham Carpenter Jr. was born on July 10, 1926, in Bennington, Vermont. He served as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during World War II, helping to build the airstrip from which the Enola Gay took off for its 1945 flight to Hiroshima. He began his Broadway career in 1944, playing in David Merrick’s first production Bright Boy. He appeared in several other Broadway shows, such as Three to Make Ready with Ray Bolger, The Magic Touch, Almanac and Hotel Paradiso.
He also worked in radio, TV and film, signing a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1949. He made his film debut in the controversial drama Lost Boundaries, produced by Louis de Rochemont. He then appeared in films such as Father of the Bride with Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy, Summer Stock with Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, Vengeance Valley with Burt Lancaster and Take the High Ground! with Richard Widmark.
Aba Daba Honeymoon and Beyond
Carpenter’s most memorable film role was in Two Weeks with Love, where he teamed up with Debbie Reynolds to sing “Aba Daba Honeymoon”, a novelty song that became a huge hit and reached No. 3 on the Billboard chart. It was the first time that a soundtrack single was released and sold over a million copies. Carpenter and Reynolds toured the country with their act and became popular performers.
Carpenter continued to act in films such as Sky Full of Moon, Fearless Fagan, Up Periscope and The Girl Most Likely. He also appeared in TV shows such as Perry Mason, Father Knows Best, The Rifleman and Luke and the Tenderfoot. He later focused on writing, publishing novels, memoirs and poetry. He also wrote songs, scripts and plays, some of which he performed in.
Legacy and Awards
Carpenter was a versatile and talented entertainer who had a long and diverse career in show business. He was admired by his fans and peers for his charm, humor and creativity. He received several awards and honors, such as the Theatre World Award, the Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Dancers Society.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Carpenter, and his nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his friends, colleagues and fans who loved his work and his personality.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Carpenter’s clips from Three Little Words and Two Weeks with Love were used in the 1974 film That’s Entertainment, which celebrated MGM’s 50th anniversary. His song “Aba Daba Honeymoon” remains a classic and a tribute to his talent and charisma.
