Mel Welles NORFOLK, VA--Mel Welles, a trained psychologist who embarked on a varied, globe-trotting life that took him to 28 countries, and included work as an actor, director, producer and concert impresario, but is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of flower shop owner Gravis Muchnik in Roger Corman's 1960 black comedy "The Little Shop of Horrors," died at a hospital here Aug. 19 of heart failure. He was 81. MSTies will recall his memorable turn as crooning grave digger Smolken in the movie in episode 806- THE UNDEAD. Before arriving in Hollywood, the New York native did stints as a clinical psychologist (he had a Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University) and a radio deejay. He began to get roles in radio dramas and in various stage productions, and that led to work in about 60 films, including "Attack of the Crab Monsters" "Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy" and "Rock All Night." He also made more than 300 TV appearances in series including "Maverick," "Peter Gunn," "Topper," "The Lone Ranger," "Circus Boy," "Rin Tin Tin," and "Wyatt Earp." In the 1960s he moved to Europe, where he directed a number of B movies, (he was also a well-known there as film consultant). He moved on to the far east, where he produced and directed classical music concerts in Australia and southeast Asia. By the time he returned to the U.S., he spoke five languages fluently and became known for voice-over work. Most recently, he has been a corporate teacher, creating and conducting seminars and experimental workshops for executives, including work with The Center For Executive Re-Invention in Austin, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Anne.