'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.

[blu]

I wonder if Bush will address the nation tonight?

Forget him addressing us, I want to know who is going to apologize to us?! My widdle feewings are hurt!

[IndyTiger]

I recall reading once that feelings between Al and Fred Gwynne were strained for awhile before Gwynne's passing, due to Al's constant Munster references and promotions. As I remember, Gwynne was tired of the Herman Munster association, and wanted to put it in the past.

[stevio]

Thanks for the laughs, "Grandpa". God be with you.

[Bear_Slayer]

I wished I would have thought so as a young boy. I didn't keep a single signed autograph.

As a side note: I used to live near the Angels practice stadium and would regularly pick up baseballs hit over the fence. Then later, stand in line with my friends getting the balls signed by all the players of the Angels. I had one that included Nolan Ryan.

I kick myself for losing that ball!

[EverOnward]

Thank Mr. Lewis for making me laugh. RIP

[Graymatter]

Ooh-ooh! Car 54 ping!

[headstamp]

My favorite episode is "Herman Buys a Car" with Frank Gorshin guest starring.

The funniest part is when Herman drives off the lot and a few seconds later they close up shop at warp speed and get the hell outta Dodge. LOL!

[headstamp]

Jackie Googan?

[headstamp]

And how. Built like a brick hospital.

[Bear_Slayer]

I really didn't know it was Jackie Coogan until after my post. Back then, I knew it was Uncle Fester and I knew he was someone famous, but I didn't know it was Jackie Coogan.

[CALawyer]

"My favorite episode is "Herman Buys a Car" with Frank Gorshin guest starring."

Fair Deal Dan!

[headstamp]

You could have had him put a light bulb in his mouth and light it up like he used to do. (grin)

My dad and I did work (carpentry, plumbing, etc) a number of years ago for Ed Herrman (History channel narration now) when he lived here in Kent, NY.

He knew many of these actors including, Fred Gwynne, Blythe Danner, Jane Alexander and her husband Ed Sherin (director Law and Order) to name a few. Met them all except Fred who was supposedly a very nice fellow. My dad put an addition on Jane Alexander's house as she lives in Kent also. They are all excellent actors as they come from the stage. Ed was a helluva nice guy to work for and very knowledgeable about history. He had a huge library addition we built onto his house with an incredible amount of books on history and the like. His main interest was the World Wars.

Sorry to ramble.......


Regards

[headstamp]

Hi, Friend!!!!!

[Bear_Slayer]

Sorry to ramble.......

No apology necessary. Everyone has a story to tell.

It's amazing the stuff people carry around in their heads.

[I Drive Too Fast]

Butch Patrick played "Eddie", but according to the captions they should have said Eddie, Marilyn & Grandpa.

[chasio649]

One of the funniest underrated movies of alltime!!!!!!!!!

[I Drive Too Fast]

- Penguin's Disastrous End (1967) TV Episode .... Marsha
- Penguin Sets a Trend (1967) TV Episode .... Marsha
- Penguin Is a Girl's Best Friend (1967) TV Episode .... Marsha
- Marsha's Scheme of Diamonds (1966) TV Episode .... Marsha
- Marsha, Queen of Diamonds (1966) TV Episode .... Marsha

[I Drive Too Fast]

I loved both The Munsters and The Addams Family. Al Lewis was funny.

[headstamp]

The Adams Family Song

They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're all together ooky,
The Addams Family.

Their house is a museum
Where people come to see 'em
They really are a scream
The Addams Family.

(Neat)
(Sweet)
(Petite)

So get a witches shawl on
A broomstick you can crawl on
We're gonna pay a call on
The Addams Family.

[dsutah]

Speaking of breaking up, did you read that Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora are getting a divorce after an 11 year marriage? That shocked me! They're one of those couples that you never hear about. There is rarely, if ever, any rumor about them for a long time. It was like that with Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid too. Then when they divorce, it is surprising!

I had recently read that there were rumors of trouble between them in the tabloids. But I took it with a grain of salt, because the tabloids are full of rumors if not lies. Then too, HL and RS both denied it! But I guess it's true, it was in the news a few days ago(MSM news, I think).