Beloved 'Seinfeld' Actor Len Lesser Dies

By Tracey Harrington McCoy Posted Feb 16th 2011 09:10PM

Actor Len Lesser, best known for his role as Uncle Leo on 'Seinfeld,' is dead, the Associated Press reports. The veteran character actor died at home in Burbank, Calif., from cancer-related pneumonia. He was 88.

In a statement, Lesser's daughter, Michele Lesser, said, "Heaven got a great comedian and actor today. ... Thank you to all the people who helped make my father's last journey special, and surrounded with love. The doctors, nurses, and staff have been outstanding, and Dad was in phenomenal hands. His passing was peaceful, with great dignity, and surrounded by those who loved him dearly."

In addition to his widely known role on 'Seinfeld,' Lesser appeared on many other television series over the course of his 60-year career, including 'Get Smart,' 'That Girl,' 'The Munsters,' 'The Monkees,' 'thirtysomething,' 'ER' and 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' His most recent TV appearance was on TV drama 'Castle.'

Lesser also appeared in a handful of movies including 'The Outlaw Josey Wales,' 'Kelly's Heroes,' 'Birdman of Alcatraz' and 'Death Hunt.'

The actor is survived by his daughter, Michele; son, David; daughter-in-law, Julie; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Kayla and Mayah.

Tags: Len Lesser, Seinfeld

Comments

(40)

Wednesday 16 February

By DrRobert

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RIP Uncle Leo. Believe he was also on "All In The Family"

By BTDT

Uncle Leo, goodbyyyyye. RIP Mr. Lesser.

Thursday 17 February

By dvdfrnzwbr

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No more soup for you!

By Susy

"No more soup for you" was "Soup Nazi" - Uncle Leo was: "Hello"

RIP - and thanks for the laughs

By bushstaged911

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I never have seen him in all in the family but he was in the Outlaw Josey Wales . No kidding .
I honestly expected him to say . Josey , how are ya

By teki97

wish nbc would do a reunion on the show.

By lctino24

Larry David did not want to do a regular reunion show. That's why they did the season of Curb your Enthusiasm pretending they were doing a reunion show. That was the reunion show.

By Bob Vickery

Loved Uncle Leo and the whole Seinfeld gang. Still watch the show every night.

By diane

Uncle Leo....goodby

By jed1413

And to your son who worked for the Parks Department, Jeffrey, condolences to him.

By TERRY

R.I.P. YOU WERE SOOOOOO FREAKING FUNNY!!!
YOU WILL BE MISSED.
THANKS FOR SUCH GREAT MEMORIES!

By Michele

"HA!HA! RAY'S HERE!!" Every time he would say that on Everybody Loves Raymond it just made me smile. He will be missed.

By SkyBlue

R.I.P.

By whinrc

He was a funny, funny man. RIP Uncle Leo!

By YellowRose3218

Mr. Lesser made me laugh so many times through the years.
He will be missed, my prayers are with Mr. lesser, and his family at this sad time.
RIP Mr. Lesser.

By Adam

RIP, Mr. Lesser. You will be DEEPLY missed.

By Sharon M Rybak

He was soooo cute as "Garvin" on Everybody loves Raymond". He would say...HEY, RAY..and shake his fists laughing! Now, everytime I watch RAYMOND, I will think of him! He was quite elderly back in the episodes from the 90's...God bless his family! He had a good run.

By trmnatr2

Uncle Leo always made me laugh.

By Kevin

Good Bye "Uncle Leo" You were Great. Heaven is sayin Yeah eh Len Lesser is here. (Raymond) you were a funny funny man and will be missed.

By outlawsgun

I can't see that guy and not laugh at the anger eye-brows episode. That was so funny.

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