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 โThe Munstersโ. 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 โCar 54, Where Are You?โ and โThe Phil Silvers Showโ. However, his most famous role was that of Grandpa Munster in the hit television series โThe Munstersโ. 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 โGrandpa Al Lewisโ. The restaurant was decorated with memorabilia from โThe Munstersโ 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 โThe Munstersโ, โCar 54, Where Are You?โ, and โThe Lucy Showโ. He also directed several films, including โOne More Train to Robโ and โThe Unknownโ.
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 Lewisโs height. Some sources claim that he was only 5โ4โณ 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 โThe Munstersโ. 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 โThe Munsters.โ
What was Al Lewisโ 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 childrenโs television show host and a stand-up comedian.
What was Al Lewisโ most famous role?
Al Lewisโ most famous role was that of Grandpa Munster in the television series โThe Munsters,โ which aired from 1964 to 1966. He also reprised the role in the 1980s spin-off series โThe Munsters Today.โ
Did Al Lewis have any other notable roles?
Yes, Al Lewis appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including โCar 54, Where Are You?,โ โThe Dick Van Dyke Show,โ โLost in Space,โ and โMarriedโฆ with Children.โ
What was Al Lewisโ 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.
