From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Arthur "Art" Balinger (February 1, 1915 – June 10, 2011) was an American actor known for television roles throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. He was cast in numerous productions created by Jack Webb and his production company Mark VII Limited. Balinger was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. He began his career as a radio announcer, before transitioning to television as an actor. His credits included Dragnet and Emergency!. He largely retired from television after the 1970s. One of his last memorable parts, in film, was that of the dedication ceremony announcer in the 1974 blockbuster hit The Towering Inferno. Art Balinger died in Portland, Oregon at the age of 96.