Peter Webster Palmer (born September 20, 1931) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Li'l Abner, both on Broadway and on film. 　　Peter Webster Palmer was offered scholarships to a number of universities; however, he chose the University of Illinois to study voice under Bruce Foote. He was the first music major to letter in football at the university. While at Illinois his team won the Big Ten championships in 1951 and 1953 and the Rose Bowl in 1952. Palmer sang the national anthem at every home game in 1953 before taking the field. In 1954 Palmer married his first wife, Jackie; they had five children, and were divorced in 1964.In 1956, Palmer was cast in the title role of the musical Li'l Abner, for which he won a Theatre World Award.