Al Lewis

Al Lewis was a beloved American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Grandpa Munster on the classic 1960s television series The Munsters. Born Albert Meister in Manhattan on April 30, 1902, Lewis was the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He began his career as a comedian in the 1920s, performing in vaudeville and working as a stand-up comic.

In the 1930s, Lewis moved to Hollywood and started appearing in films, usually playing a gangster. He appeared in a number of Marx Brothers films, including A Night at the Opera (1935) and A Day at the Races (1937). He also appeared in the films of other notable directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston.

In the 1960s, Lewis was cast in the role of Grandpa Munster on the popular television show The Munsters. The show ran for two seasons and was a major hit with audiences. Lewis became known for his outrageous outfits, his exaggerated Eastern European accent, and his catchphrase, “Well, as Grandpa used to say...” The show spawned a spin-off film, Munster, Go Home! (1966).

In addition to his acting career, Lewis was also a political activist. In the late 1960s, he ran for governor of New York on the Green Party ticket. His campaign was marked by a series of wild stunts, such as driving a tank through the streets of New York and leading a group of chickens to the state capital. He also wrote a book about his political experiences, entitled Grandpa for Governor.

Lewis continued to act and appear in films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He had a starring role in the 1977 comedy film The Prince and the Pauper, and also made numerous guest appearances on shows such as The Love Boat and The Muppet Show.

Lewis passed away on February 3, 2006, at the age of 103. His memory continues to live on in the hearts of his fans, and his iconic role as Grandpa Munster will never be forgotten.