R.I.P. Steve Landesberg, 65 ("Barney Miller")

[Stanislav]

Steve Landesberg, best known as Lt. Dietrich on Barney Miller, has passed at the age of 65 from cancer.

Mark Evanier has a lovely little tribute on his blog:

http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2010_12_20.html#019944

 

[searadiofreak]

Also, a frequent talk show guest. Great comedic actor, and less known, commercial actor, especially for local markets. Someone like him dying at a relatively young age makes one introspective for sure. RIP.

 

[LKellerIII]

My wife and I saw Steve Landesburg live at a club in San Francisco - at the same time he was on Barney Miller I remember that they seated us behind a huge vertical post, so I had to crane my neck to see him. But that wasn't his fault.

Evanier's description of his act was right - Steve was easy going and amiable, and so was his comedy.

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

 

[Ultimajock]

Also, a frequent talk show guest.

...in fact, Landesberg was one of the few comics I ever heard Johnny Carson admit he was a "patsy" for...

 

[JRA]

Didn't he used to do the voiceovers for Jos. A. Bank menswear? Better commercials than the ones they run today.

 

[anotherguyTN]

THere was a time that he did ads for First Tennessee Bank in the Memphis area.

 

[Corky Marlowe]

He was an awesome stand-up comic..."Kick Ball, Get Check!"

 

[searadiofreak]

He was on in Seattle for many years for a local telecommunications company. Can't remember which one. Qwest? Whatever it was, it was extremely effective.

 

[Stanislav]

Dietrich was always my favorite character on Barney Miller. I guess because I also am a wannabe intellectual, as well as a deadpan snarker.