Although in ill health, the 73-year-old Ingram took on his last role, the Christmas episode of
A Christmas Ballad (1969)
because star/co-producer
Cosby, a long-time fan, personally asked him to. Shortly after filming
ended, Ingram passed away (September 19, 1969). The episode aired
a little over two months later, on December 21, and earned the show
one of its highest ratings.