U of I Football Star Palmer Became Hollywood Actor - Sang National Anthem At Every Home Game In 1952; Starred In 'Lil' Abner'
BUZZ MAGAZINE - The 1953 edition of the Illinois football team had plenty to offer. Not only did the Illini win a Big Ten title, but they also had their own anthem singer. Peter Palmer, a senior tackle, delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” before every home that season while wearing his football uniform. It was a sign of things to come, as Palmer went on to become a star of the stage and screen. Palmer was part of the original Broadway cast of Li’l Abner, one of the stage hits of the decade, and reprised his role in the Hollywood version. He later was credited with forty television and movie roles. Born on Sept. 20, 1931, in Milwaukee, Palmer spent most of his youth in St. Louis. He later earned a football scholarship to Illinois and played on Big Ten championship teams in both 1951 and 1953. However, the gridiron was not Palmer’s primary reason for choosing Illinois. Though he was offered scholarships by multiple football programs, he selected Illinois