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Al LewisAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 30.04.1923
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Al Lewis
Al Lewis, born Albert Meister on April 30, 1923, was an American actor best known for his role as Grandpa Munster in the comedy television series "The Munsters" and its spin-offs about the life of the monster family. Later in his life, Lewis became a restaurant owner, a political figure, and a radio host.
Early Life and Family
Al Lewis was born into a Jewish family in Brooklyn or Wolcott, New York. His exact birth year remains a point of confusion, with some sources stating 1910 while his son insists it was 1923. It was common for actors during that time to subtract a year or two from their age, rather than adding thirteen years like Lewis would have done. Lewis' mother worked as a seamstress and worked hard to raise him as a single parent. His grandfather, a Polish Jew, had six daughters but no sons. Lewis' mother was the oldest, and when she turned 16, she was sent to the United States, despite not knowing any English. She found work and eventually brought her parents and sisters to the U.S. Lewis attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn and later attended a teacher's college in Oswego. He claimed to have received a doctorate in child psychology from Columbia University in 1941, but there are no records of him attending the university during that time. In other interviews, Lewis stated that he served in the Merchant Marine during World War II and visited Italy.
Acting Career
Lewis' documented acting career began in the theater, where he performed in vaudeville and burlesque shows. In the late 1950s, he made his way to Broadway and began receiving invitations to appear on television. He made his television debut in two episodes of "The Phil Silvers Show" in 1959 and four episodes of "Naked City" from 1959 to 1963. Lewis gained recognition for his role as Officer Leo Schnauser in the series "Car 54, Where Are You?" from 1961 to 1963. In 1994, he reprised the role of an older Leo Schnauser in the comedy "Car 54, Where Are You?" Lewis' most iconic and famous character was Grandpa in the Munster family in the television series "The Munsters," which aired from 1964 to 1966. He portrayed the sinister, long-nosed old man in Count Dracula's cloak. Lewis made his final on-screen appearance as Father Hannon in the horror film "Night Terror" in 2002.
Political Activism
Aside from his acting career, Lewis was involved in political activism. He claimed to have participated in the Committee to Save Sacco and Vanzetti in 1927 and to have been involved in the Scottsboro Boys' Defense Committee in the 1930s. However, considering his birth year, these claims seem unlikely. Lewis hosted political programs on WBAI radio and campaigned for the Green Party candidate for Governor of New York in 1998. Interestingly, during the election, he attempted to vote under the name "Grandpa Al Lewis" in reference to his character in "The Munsters," but his request was denied by the election commission. Nonetheless, he attracted voter attention.
Personal Life and Legacy
Al Lewis was married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage to Marge Domowitz lasted from 1956 to 1977, and they had three sons together. In 1984, Lewis married actress and radio commentator Karen Ingenthron, who remained with him until his death. Lewis resided in Roosevelt Island, New York, located between Manhattan and Queens. In 2003, he underwent a vascular surgery that resulted in complications, leading to the amputation of his right leg below the knee and the toes on his left foot. Lewis passed away on February 3, 2006, in a hospital, due to natural causes. His body was cremated, and a farewell service was held at the Riverside Church in New York, although it is unclear how his Jewish faith was incorporated. His favorite gospel music played at the funeral, and his ashes were buried on February 18, 2006, in his beloved cigar box.
