Sunday, February 05, 2006

R.I.P. Grandpa Munster

Al Lewis, born April 30, 1923, began his theatrical career as a circus performer but soon turned to acting. His first TV exposure was in The U.S. Steel Hour: Trouble-In-Law in 1959. He also appeared in Naked City in 1960 before landing his first regular role in 1961 as Officer Leo Schnauser in Car 54, Where Are You? opposite his Munsters co-star Fred Gwynne.
In 1964, Lewis landed the role for which he would become most famous, Grandpa Munster. The Munsters was the perfect showcase for Lewis' comedic talents. After the series was cancelled in 1966, Lewis appeared on numerous television shows, including Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Here's Lucy, Green Acres, Love, American Style and Taxi.
In addition to being an actor, the ageless Al Lewis holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University, was a high school basketball scout, a restaurant owner and onetime politician when he ran for Governor of New York in 1998.

Ok, so Al Lewis was no world leader, no sports hero,no Oscar winner etc. But he brought fun to MY afternoons when I was a kid. RIP Grandpa.

3 comments:

Sean said...

holy smokes, i didn't realize ...

there are a couple sitcom actors who will always hold a place in my heart, no matter what they do, because of the entertainment and opportunity for escapism that they gave me.

JL4 said...

I of course was shocked when I heard the news of his death. I thought he kicked at least 20 years ago!

leelee said...

Makes you wonder just how many stars of yesteryear have faded into obscurity. Check back here often, I'll update as I see fit!

lol

~leelee~