American actor Steve Franken dies

Veteran American film and television actor Steve Franken has died at the age of 80, his wife said today.

Jean Franken said her husband, who starred in the 1960s TV series The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis and as the drunken waiter in the film The Party, died last Friday after battling cancer.

He appeared in dozens of roles, ranging from guest appearances in TV series Bewitched and Seinfeld to film roles in Nurse Betty and 2009’s Angels and Demons. He was also a stage actor.

A public memorial is scheduled for September 22 at Theatre West in Los Angeles.

Mrs Franken said her husband never stopped working and loved acting.

Born in Queens in May 1932, Franken remained in LA throughout his career. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.