'Ellen' Dad Steven Gilborn Dies at 72

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(Jan. 12) - Notoriously busy actor Steven Gilborn, who appeared in scores of movies and television shows, most notably as Ellen DeGeneres's father on her mid-1990's sitcom, lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 2, his family told the New York Times. He was 72.

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Gilborn worked continuously in television for the past 20 years, as evident by his long list of credits on IMDB. Besides 'Ellen,' he had recurring roles on 'Picket Fences,' 'The Practice,' and 'The Wonder Years,' in which he played Kevin Arnold's algebra teacher.

His numerous one-episode appearances play like a lesson in modern TV history, with brief roles on 'NewsRadio,' 'Coach,' 'Malcolm in the Middle,' 'The Golden Girls,' 'L.A. Law,' and recently, 'Without a Trace.'

His film credits include 'The Brady Bunch Movie' and 'Private Parts.' He began his acting career on the stage in the early 1970's, and went on to star in productions of 'Much Ado About Nothing,' 'Awake and Sing!' and others.

Gilborn is survived by his wife, Karen Halverson, and two daughters.

Watch Him on 'Ellen' >>