Dick Wilson , ( 30 July 1916 -- 19 November 2007 ) , was a British-born Canadian character actor who played the role of finicky grocery store manager Mr. George Whipple in more than 500 Charmin toilet paper television commercials ( 1965 -- 1989 , 1999-2000 ) .
Dick Wilson , born Riccardo Di Guglielmo ( 30 July 1916 -- 19 November 2007 ) , was a British-Canadian character actor . He was known for playing grocery store manager Mr. ( George ) Whipple in over 500 Charmin toilet paper television commercials ( 1965 -- 1989 , 1999-2000 ) .