NEWSLen Lesser, 'Seinfeld's' Uncle Leo, Dies at 88
Feb. 17 2011, Published 1:20 p.m. ET
Len Lesser, passed away yesterday of complications from cancer-related pneumonia. The 88-year-old veteran actor was most known for playing Uncle Leo as Jerry Seinfeld's uncle on Seinfeld. He died in his sleep in Burbank, Calif. Although Uncle Leo was his most recognizable character, Len also appeared in other TV classics like That Girl, The Munsters, The Monkees, thirtysomething, ER and Everybody Loves Raymond.
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Len was born in 1922 and made his first TV appearance in 1949. Technically his career spanned 60 years! As for other roles, he was also a regular on Everybody Loves Raymond for his role, Garvin. In addition to his last TV appearance, a part on Castle in 2009, he has appeared in 500 (yes, you read that right — 500! other film, TV and stage appearances.
According to The Associated Press, his daughter Michele issued this statement: "Heaven got a great comedian and actor today. The outpouring of sympathy we've already received has been amazing and is so greatly appreciated. Thank you to all the people who helped make my father's last journey special and surrounded with love."
Rest in peace, Uncle Leo.
