Al Molinaro, former star of the sitcomHappy Days, has died at the age of 96. According to TMZ, he passed away Friday in a California hospital after electing to not have surgery for bad gall stones due to his age.
The Wisconsin native portrayed loveable chef Big Al Delvecchio for a decade on the series, before reprising his role in its spinoff Joani Loves Chachi. Additional credits include appearances in The Odd Couple, Punky Brewster and Step by Step. He was also spotted in Weezer’s 1994 music video for “Buddy Holly,” which was set in the Happy Days drive-in.
He is survived by his wife, Betty and son Michael.
