'Grandpa Munster‘ Al Lewis Dies at 95

Washington Post ^ | February 4, 2006

[lunarbicep]

NEW YORK -- Al Lewis, the cigar-chomping patriarch of "The Munsters" whose work as a basketball scout, restaurateur and political candidate never eclipsed his role as Grandpa from the television sitcom, died after years of failing health. He was 95.

Lewis, with his wife at his bedside, passed away Friday night, said Bernard White, program director at WBAI-FM, where the actor hosted a weekly radio program. White made the announcement on the air during the Saturday slot where Lewis usually appeared.

"To say that we will miss his generous, cantankerous, engaging spirit is a profound understatement," White said.

Lewis, sporting a somewhat cheesy Dracula outfit, became a pop culture icon playing the irascible father-in-law to Fred Gwynne's ever-bumbling Herman Munster on the 1964-66 television show. He was also one of the stars of another classic TV comedy, playing Officer Leo Schnauzer on "Car 54, Where Are You?"

But Lewis' life off the small screen ranged far beyond his acting antics. A former ballplayer at Thomas Jefferson High School, he achieved notoriety as a basketball talent scout familiar to coaching greats like Jerry Tarkanian and Red Auerbach.

[nonliberal]

Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora are getting a divorce

Maybe she will start returning my phone calls now.

There is a God...and Heather be thy name.

[Ciexyz]

RIP, Grandpa Munster. I saw him reprise the role on cable TV in the mid-90's. It was a new cast and I believe Grandpa Munster was the narrator (can't remember if he was actually in the production or if they just dressed him up in the Dracula suit and had him narrate.) Anyone else see this one? It was on Saturday AM and the lead character was played by the son of the original actor in the 60's production.

[Jhensy]

Grandpa was always the funniest part of the Munsters. RIP.

[anymouse]

I used to have that model when I was a kid - the car silly. :)

[Denver Ditdat]

Munsters car was WAY better, but Morticia was hotter than Lilly. nerd/off/

At the time the shows were made I'd agree, but Lilly Munster (Yvonne DeCarlo) was a hottie in her prime:

[martin_fierro]

LOL

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

I saw it too and I don't remember what it was.

[ShasheMac]

I'm guessing you meant to mention that Mr. Herrmann played the role of Herman Munster in the later TV movie "Here Come the Munsters". Why, I'll never know... ;)

[WasDougsLamb]

-----RIP, Grandpa...... You made me laugh on many a nights.

[dr_who_2]

I thought he died years ago. Almost like deja vu.

[rdl6989]

Photos like that have been known to do serious damage to monitors and eyeballs.

[chuckles]

I know it's my own personal problem. I used to love both the Adams Family and the Munsters. But when I saw Grandpa on Larry King( Before Fox news), I almost puked. Ever since I just look at him politically, instead of like a childhood fan. It's not nice to talk about the dead, but he just lost a fan when he ran for office.

Think about Jane Fonda. Are you going to remember Barbarella, or Viet Nam when she goes? I have this problem with most of my early memories. Whether a singer or film star, there isn't much left for me any more. I miss my childhood where my idols didn't hate my country. I have to choose my country. It leaves me kinda bitter and I don't like that. I need more forgiveness in my heart, but I just can't.

I just wish they would make movies and TV and shut the hell up.

[Dajjal]

We'll miss you, Garndpa!

Requiescat in pace.

[raccoonradio]

Yes, sad to hear but he had a good life.

I remember in the 80s my college radio station got a 45 by Butch "Eddie" Patrick, "Whatever Happened to Eddie?"

It was set to the Munsters theme. I don't remember all the lyrics but it was something like:

Whatever happened to Eddie?
I'm the kid with the pointy ears
Whatever happened to Eddie?
After all these many years

You might ask me why I have a dragon for a pet
Well, he's just here to keep me comfy on the set
Whatever happened to Eddie?
I'm the kid from Mockingbird Lane, etc.

Meanwhile, Herman got into politics. He was the Democratic nominee for President in 2004 :)

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Carolyn Jones was a major babe!

[dead]

Man, I absolutely loved Al Lewis. One of the funniest men alive. When he owned his restaurant in the Village, he would stand outside and try to convince you to come in. You could just start yelling curses at him and get into an argument with him in the street. He was a hoot.

My favorite moonbat leftist on earth. I guess Willie Nelson just got promoted to the position.

[Incorrigible]

Alright, now I wish I subscribed to Sirus. I would enjoy the tribute Howard and Robin will give to Grandpa Al tomorrow.

[Zack Attack]

Not even posted yet at deadoraliveinfo.com.

At least with my trusty Firefox add-on I can tell that Abe Vigoda is still kicking. :o)

Abe Vigoda's Status

[lunarbicep]

Abe Vigoda is still kicking

still kicking, still working and about to turn 85 on February 24

[Steveone]

I did not know that thank you!