Inside the Collection: Meet Wally Wingert
Step inside Wally's pop culture paradise — or "Wallywood," as he calls it.
Sep. 8, 2024
Voice actor and puppeteer Wally Wingert has an obsession with pop culture from the 1960s through the 1980s — so much so that he's turned his home into what he calls 'Wallywood': a virtual museum packed full of his treasures.
Wally has everything from Jack Lord's famous Hawaii Five-O ensemble and Ed McMahon's actual passport to the very first licensed Kermit puppet (from before he became the frog we all know and love today) and much more.
Wally is unable to define exactly what his entire collection is about, but if an item is from the 1930s through the 1980s, he has to have it.
As a kid, Wally was always surrounded by the things he loved, and now, with thousands of pieces, he's forever immersed in his pop culture paradise. Take a look!
1. Jack Lord's Hawaii Five-O Ensemble
This item is Jack Lord’s ensemble from the original Hawaii Five-O series (1968).
It includes his character Det. Steve McGarrett’s costume, badge, ID card, and is complete down to the shoes.
Jack Lord had numerous costumes custom-made from specific fabrics and in particular styles. However, this costume had some of the most screen time on the series, making it even more valuable.
It looks like he’s ready to say, "Book ’em, Lisa!"
The badge wasn’t screen-used, but the rest of this iconic outfit was. With a total of 12 seasons and numerous costume changes, our expert said this is the only ensemble he’s aware of.
Our expert valued this costume collection at $15,000.
2. Ed McMahon's Passport
Wally calls this his "key to the kingdom." This passport can get him anywhere in the world, as long as he does his best Ed McMahon impression while traveling.
This was Ed McMahon’s actual passport. Wally received this item as a gift from a friend who frequently attended Hollywood auctions.
Wally was lucky enough to stand on the very spot where Ed McMahon made all his announcements on Stage One at NBC. It’s like fate that he now owns a piece from his predecessor.
According to our expert, passports and driver’s licenses are highly sought-after items and can reach high values, depending on the individual.
Our expert valued this piece at about $2,000. Let's say it all together now: "Hi-yoooo!"
3. Ideal Toys Kermit & Rowlf Puppets
Most people will recognize these two iconic puppets—they’re the Muppets! We can’t think of a better duo to belong in Wally’s pop culture wonderland.
These puppets were the first commercially available Jim Henson toys, released in 1966.
Rowlf was a huge star at the time of their release, but Kermit was essentially unknown. According to Wally, Kermit wasn’t even a frog yet.
Rowlf was a star on The Jimmy Dean Show, appeared in countless commercials, and was at the forefront of the Muppets gang. Because of this, Kermit was harder to find and became a rare piece to own over the years.
Both puppets are in great condition for being nearly 60 years old, with only minor restoration work needed.
Our expert valued these toys together at $2,000. We'll be waiting for the value to go up after their starring appearance on Collector's Call.
4. Elvis Presley's Stage-Worn Scarves
While many people go their entire lives wishing they had a piece of Elvis memorabilia, Wally is lucky enough to own two Elvis Presley scarves.
Elvis handed out many of his personal scarves to audience members during his long music career, with some still kept at Graceland.
Wally saw Elvis when he was 16 but wasn’t able to get a scarf of his own. However, Lisa managed to get one at 13—something that makes all Elvis fans a little bit jealous.
Today, his two scarves are white and blue. He thought the blue scarf looked best with the Elvis costume and knew he had to have it to complete the King’s iconic look.
According to our expert, the color of the scarf doesn’t affect its value, but it’s always good to have two on hand.
He valued them at $5,000 for the pair. Wally has a collection worthy of the King of Rock 'N' Roll.
5. Dark Shadows Display
Calling all Dark Shadows fans!
The original Dark Shadows premiered in 1966 as a soap opera that aired five days a week. According to Wally, Dark Shadows was originally going to be canceled after season one, so the creator added a vampire to really sink his teeth into the show.
Dark Shadows became a massive hit that led to a variety of spin-offs, merchandise, and a lasting legacy in pop culture.
Wally became friends with Jonathan Frid’s nephew, who owned Frid’s personal wolf-head cane, as seen in the series.
Wally said he bought the cane for around $5,000 but has $7,000 invested in it altogether.
The cane alone would be worth $10,000 today, but the entire collection is valued at around $13,000.
6. Andy Kaufman's Stage Costume
This Andy Kaufman performance costume is one of Wally's most prized possessions in his entire collection.
Kaufman was seen wearing this outfit during his ABC comedy special, on Saturday Night Live, and in many other guest appearances and series.
When you think of Kaufman, this iconic outfit is likely to come to mind. According to Wally, there is only one of these suits available, with no duplicates, making it even more rare.
Wally received this item through a close friend of Andy’s, though he can neither confirm nor deny who it was. Wally is a huge Andy Kaufman fan and has been doing impressions of him for years.
According to our expert, this outfit would be worth around $75,000 today. It’s a piece of comedy history, so for Wally, it will always be priceless.
7. The total value of Wally's collection:
4 Comments
Hey, Lisa's a pretty good ventriloquist--Or at least a pretty ventriloquist.
