He starred in the first stage musical I ever saw performed (Barnum -- I was FIVE) and wrote my mom back when she wrote to him (she still has the letter!). He was a staple of existence in my childhood thanks to all his Disney films (Pete's Dragon, Hot Lead and Cold Feet, etc.)... and then came back to me in my adulthood with his work on HP and Pushing Daisies... I adore this actor and wish him the happiest of birthdays!

Mr. Dale, if you ever read happen to read this, thank you for encouraging me to Join the Circus (like I wanted to when I was a kid), for helping bring some colors into my life to show the way... for teaching me what dragon fat and tears can do... for being the original Slytherin snake oil salesman, for telling me all about KnitWit Magazine and for bringing house elves to audible life... In short-- thank you for the magic you brought into this world through your talent.

Bravo, sir. Bravo... and Happy Birthday to You.