National
GLENDALE, Calif. — Al Molinaro, the lovable character actor with the hangdog face who was known to millions of TV viewers for playing Murray the cop on “The Odd Couple” and malt shop owner Al Delvecchio on “Happy Days,” died Friday at Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, his son Michael Molinaro said.
Molinaro, retired from acting since the 1990s, died of complications of gallstone problems, his son said. He was 96.
The Kenosha, Wis., native was a journeyman performer well into middle age when a comedy improv class led to his breakthrough. Producer Garry Marshall heard about Molinaro and hired him for the part of police Officer Murray Greshler on “The Odd Couple,” the TV version of Neil Simon’s play about feuding roommates.
His next long-running role was that of Al Delvecchio in “Happy Days,” the 1974-1984 nostalgic sitcom about 1950s life that starred Ron Howard and Henry Winkler. Molinaro joined the cast in 1976, replacing Pat Morita as the owner of Arnold’s Drive-In, and remained until 1982.
2 people missing after flash floodsAUSTIN, Texas — Another round of storms and strong winds was moving east across Texas on Saturday, and two people were missing from earlier flash floods in the Austin area.In the Houston area, an official said a tornado has been reported in southern Harris County, and officials were checking on any possible damage there.Francisco Sanchez of the Harris County Office of Emergency Management said 4-7 inches of rain has fallen since Friday night and more was expected.
