Actor Len Lesser (December 3, 1922 – February 16, 2011) died in his sleep Wednesday morning in Burbank, California, of complications from pneumonia. He was 88.
Lesser, who was most recently in an episode of ABC’s Castle, is best known as Jerry Seinfeld’s Uncle Leo on TV’s “Seinfeld,” The comic actor made more than 500 film, television and stage appearances.
In addition to “Seinfeld,” he had a recurring role as Garvin on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He also appeared on “ER,” “Thirtysomething,” “Mad About You,” “Quincy M.E.,” “The Rockford Files,” “Kojak,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Mod Squad,” “All In The Family,” “Get Smart,” “My Favorite Martian,” “Ben Casey” and “The Untouchables.”
Born Leonard King Lesser in New York, he graduated from the City College of New York in 1942 with a degree in government and economics.
Lesser also served in the Army during World War II.
Lesser is survived by his daughter, Michele; son David; daughter-in-law Julie; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Kayla, and Mayah.
R.I.P.
