Larry Storch, the comedic character actor who also did voiceover work and impressions and was best known for his role as Corporal Randolph Agarn on “F Troop,” has died. He was 99.
His family released a statement on his Facebook page: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with you the news our beloved Larry passed away in his sleep overnight. We are shocked and at a loss for words at the moment. Please remember he loved every one of you and wouldn’t want you to cry over his passing. He is reunited with his wife Norma, his beloved F Troop cast, and many friends and family.”
Storch was a familiar face on TV shows throughout the 1960s and ’70s — he starred in the 1970s children’s show “The Ghost Busters” and appeared on “The Love Boat” and “Car 54, Where Are You?” In “Married… With Children,” he played Al Bundy’s childhood hero, who owned an acting school. His other TV roles included “I Dream of Jeannie,” “That Girl,” “Fantasy Island,” “Columbo,” “Mannix,” “Get Smart,” “Gilligan’s Island,” and “Love, American Style.”
Born in New York, Storch went to high school with “Get Smart” star Don Adams, with whom he remained friends for life. He left high school to work as a stand-up comedian, then served in the U.S. Navy, where he was shipmates with Tony Curtis.
He was nominated for an Emmy for comedy actor in “F Troop” in 1967 but lost to Adams.
On film, Storch appeared in several movies with Curtis, including “The Great Race.” His other film roles included “Aiport 1975” and “The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington.”
He also worked in theatre, appearing onstage as late as 2012.
He was also a frequent variety show guest, with appearances on “Laugh-In,” “Sonny and Cher,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and his own “The Larry Storch Show,” which came out of a stint filling in for Jackie Gleason on his talkshow.
At Warner Bros., his cartoon voiceover work included the voices of Merlin the Magic Mouse and Cool Cat, as well as voices for “The Brady Kids,” “Tennessee Tuxedo,” and “The Pink Panther Show.”
