Al Lewis
PMP Network Presents
Al Lewis, known for his distinctive voice and acting roles, shares insights into his diverse career. He recounts his beginnings in the circus, followed by extensive work in radio, and his eventual move to television and Broadway.
Al Lewis
About Al Lewis
Al Lewis was an American character actor best known for playing Grandpa on The Munsters (1964-1966) and Officer Leo Schnauser on Car 54, Where Are You? (1961-1963). Born Abraham Meister in New York City, he worked extensively in radio for eighteen years before transitioning to early live television and Broadway. His film credits included They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), Used Cars (1980), and Married to the Mob (1988). He later owned a restaurant called Grandpa's in Greenwich Village.
In this interview
- Recalls starting in show business at age 13 following elephants in the circus.
- Describes working his way up to clown, learning unicycle, slackwire, and other circus skills.
- Talks about eighteen years in radio at WGN Chicago, WLW, and New York.
- Discusses transition to early live television and Broadway before landing Car 54.
“I'm the last of the dinosaur still around.”— Al Lewis, in this interview
Since this interview
Al Lewis died on February 3, 2006, at the age of 82 in Roosevelt Island, New York City.
