
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 3, 1993                   TAG: 9307030081
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FRED GWYNNE, OF `MUNSTER' FAME, DIES

Fred Gwynne, the dour but lovable stage, film and television actor for four decades who was best remembered for his leading roles in the 1960s cult television series "The Munsters" and "Car 54 Where Are You?" died Friday. He was 66.

Gwynne died in his home near Baltimore, Md., of pancreatic cancer, his New York law firm Kraditor, Haber & Bienstock announced.

The versatile character actor had most recently appeared as the Southern judge in the popular comedy film, "My Cousin Vinny" released last year.

Asked about his favorite parts, Gwynne once enumerated serious roles such as Big Daddy in the play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," but then added: "And I might as well tell you the truth. I love old Herman Munster," he said. "Much as I try not to, I can't stop liking that fellow."

Although the original black-and-white series was short-lived, it has enjoyed a longstanding history in reruns.

Gwynne's television life as the New York cop Francis Muldoon in "Car 54 Where Are You?" was also short-lived, running on NBC only from 1961 to 1963, but that series also has enjoyed perennial reruns.

Gwynne was also a gifted writer and illustrator of children's books, including "The King Who Rained" and "Chocolate Moose For Dinner." He had recently completed a book to be published next Christmas.

Born July 10, 1926, in New York City as the son of a stockbroker, Gwynne began his acting career in 1952 when he was featured with Helen Hayes in the Broadway play "Mrs. McThing."

He served in the Navy during World War II and graduated from Harvard University in 1951.

Gwynne is survived by his wife, Deborah, and four children.

by CNB