Stang voiced many cartoons and adverts in his career

US actor Arnold Stang, who voiced the lead character in 1960s television cartoon Top Cat, has died aged 91.

Stang died of pneumonia at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts on Sunday, JoAnne Stang, his wife of 60 years, said.

Known for his distinctive nasal voice and nerdy looks, the actor also starred alongside Frank Sinatra in 1955 film The Man with the Golden Arm.

He also appeared in 1963 comedy It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

'Really unique'

Mrs Stang attributed her husband's career longevity to his willingness to tackle any professional challenge.

"He was really unique, because he could perform in any role, comedy or drama, he just loved it all," she said.

"He always thought of himself just as an actor, not any particular kind of actor, but just an actor who would play whatever he was asked to play."

Stang started his career on the radio as a teenager and played alongside Milton Berle on radio and TV in the 1950s.

He spent a lot of his career voicing cartoons and dozens of advertisements, and also made appearances on US TV shows including The Cosby Show and Batman.

His last big screen role was in 1993 movie Dennis the Menace.