Vale: Al Molinaro
US actor best known for Happy Days and The Odd Couple, has died.
- Published by David Knox
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US actor Al Molinaro, best known for Happy Days and The Odd Couple, has died aged 96.
His son, Michael, confirmed he suffered from bad gall stones and decided against surgery.
Molinaro portrayed Big Al Delvecchio, the owner of the Happy Days local diner from 1976 – 1982, taking over from manager Arnold (Pat Morita).
He also appeared in the spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi whilst previously playing Officer Murray Greshler in 73 episodes of The Odd Couple.
He also appeared in Get Smart, Fantasy Island, Punky Brewster, Step by Step, the movie Freaky Friday and Weezer’s music video for the 1994 song Buddy Holly -set at Arnold’s Diner.
In 1987, Molinaro and fellow Happy Days cast member Anson Williams opened a chain of diners called Big Al’s.
Source: Variety
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- Tagged with Fantasy Island, Get Smart, Happy Days, Joanie Loves Chachi, Punky Brewster, Step by Step, The Odd Couple
4 Responses
Loved Al On Happy Days much better thab Arnold Yep Yep Yep Yep
Pat Morita’s character wasn’t actually named Arnold in Happy Days. In an episode he gave his Japanese name and said that when he bought the diner there was a big sign on it saying Arnold’s and everybody called him Arnold.
Aaawwww…… 🙁
Yep yep yep yep……..