Introduction
Al Lewis, also known as Uncle Al Lewis, was an American actor, director, and restaurateur. He was best known for his role as Grandpa Munster in the television series “The Munsters”. However, his career spanned over five decades and he had many other notable accomplishments.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Al Lewis was born on April 30, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Poland. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School and later enrolled in City College of New York. However, he dropped out after one year to join the United States Army.
Acting Career
After serving in World War II, Al Lewis began his acting career in the 1950s. He appeared in many television shows such as “Car 54, Where Are You?” and “The Phil Silvers Show”. However, his most famous role was that of Grandpa Munster in the hit television series “The Munsters”. The show aired from 1964 to 1966 and has since become a cult classic.
Later Life and Career
Restaurant Business
In the 1980s, Al Lewis opened a restaurant in Greenwich Village called “Grandpa Al Lewis”. The restaurant was decorated with memorabilia from “The Munsters” and was a popular spot for fans of the show. However, the restaurant closed in 2000 after a dispute with the landlord.
Directing Career
Al Lewis also had a successful career as a director. He directed episodes of television shows such as “The Munsters”, “Car 54, Where Are You?”, and “The Lucy Show”. He also directed several films, including “One More Train to Rob” and “The Unknown”.
Personal Life
Family
Al Lewis was married twice and had six children. He was known to be a devoted father and grandfather.
Height Controversy
There has been much speculation about Al Lewis’s height. Some sources claim that he was only 5’4″ tall, while others say he was closer to 6 feet. However, his true height remains a mystery.
Conclusion
Al Lewis was a talented actor, director, and restaurateur. He will always be remembered for his iconic role as Grandpa Munster in “The Munsters”. However, his contributions to the entertainment industry go far beyond that. He was a true legend and will be missed by many.
FAQ
Who is Al Lewis?
Al Lewis was an American actor, director, and political activist. He is best known for his role as Grandpa Munster in the television series “The Munsters.”
What was Al Lewis’ early life and career like?
Al Lewis was born on April 30, 1923, in New York City. He started his career in show business as a circus performer and later became a radio and television announcer. He also worked as a children’s television show host and a stand-up comedian.
What was Al Lewis’ most famous role?
Al Lewis’ most famous role was that of Grandpa Munster in the television series “The Munsters,” which aired from 1964 to 1966. He also reprised the role in the 1980s spin-off series “The Munsters Today.”
Did Al Lewis have any other notable roles?
Yes, Al Lewis appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including “Car 54, Where Are You?,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Lost in Space,” and “Married… with Children.”
What was Al Lewis’ involvement in politics?
Al Lewis was a political activist and ran for office several times. He was a member of the Socialist Workers Party and ran for Governor of New York in 1998 and 2002.
When did Al Lewis pass away?
Al Lewis passed away on February 3, 2006, at the age of 82.
