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)

Thursday 17 February

By Scott

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One wonders, when he reached heaven with arms extended, the first thing he utter was, "Hello!"

By sarah

A wonderful actor who gave laughs to many, many people... Rest In Peace Mr. Lesser and Thank You!

By Richard

"Shut up Ladge, we got ourselves the Josey Wales! He's a big pistolie fighter."

By bill

Thanks uncle Leo, I wish you had plyed in more movies, and you will be missed!!! God Bless You , and Your Family.

By patricia

I know they're laughing in heaven right now - I know God is saying "Uncle Leo...HELLO!"

By Teresa

Great actor in serious roles and certainly in Seinfeld. I loved the episode where Elaine draws Leo some new eyebrows : )

Rip, Uncle Leo

By Charlie

Uncle Leo shoplifted from Brentanos - "SWARM SWARM"
Great talent who will be dearly missed !!!!

By Amanda

Any actor can make someone cry. It takes talent and timing to make one laugh. You will be missed Mr. Lesser. Just thinking about episode with the Angry Eyebrows...makes me laugh.

By paulmac9

My favorite Len Lesser was as Garvin on Everybody loves Raymond
He cracked me up with the line (hey Ray's here ha ha ha)... a
truely funny man may he rest in peace..

By pegleg

Leo . . . you will be missed!

By Jerry

Once again, the world loses a very funny and professional entertainer. Rest In Peace Uncle Leo

By madeline

A fine character actor that made a funny show even funnier.Can never forget the episode where Jerry tells him that he looks like a Greek god, and then an old man among others. Impossible not to laugh.

By mike

JERRY............HELLO..OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

By tiateresa

Lenny was a wonderful man. I met him years ago in L.A. at a conference. We worked together for a week. He is one of the most encouraging, sweet, honest men I have ever met. God Bless your sweet soul. Let your family heal quickly with the good memories of your life. My sincere condolences, Theresa

By Debbie and Greg

You will be missed, truly funny man, still watch Seinfeld repeats every night. Rest in Peace

By Dan

We had 2 Uncle Leos in our family, 1 on my dad's side and 1 on my mom's side.

By Dpete

Josey Wales and Kelly's Heroes... Uncle Leo You are one of the last of a dying breed........ RIP you will be missed

By rick rossano

St. Peter HELLO, it's uncle Leo. RIP

By zach

I remember him in that bit part in Outlaw Josie Wales when he came up to Josie amd says, " We got us a Josie Wales!"

(Or maybe it was the other guy) Anyway, he'll be missed.

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