So sad.
On Thursday, Al Molinaro passed away at a hospital in Wisconsin. According to his son, the Happy Days alum was suffering from gallstones, but decided that — since he was 96 years old — he didn’t want to have surgery.
The actor was on the popular sitcom for ten years, playing Al Delvecchio, AKA Big Al, the chef at Arnold’s Drive-In who eventually went on to own the establishment.
The thespian also maintained his role in the spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi, in which he iconically set up long-winded stories by saying:
“Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep…”
He also appeared in the 1976 film Freaky Friday, The Odd Couple, and even Weezer‘s Buddy Holly music video. The Wisconsin native later retired from acting in 1992.
Al is survived by his wife, Betty Ferrell, and his son Michael. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic loss.
[Image via Paramount Pictures.]
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