Actor Conrad Janis, who played the much loved role of Mindy McConnel’s father Frederick on Mork & Mindy, has died at the age of 94.
The sad news was confirmed by Janis’ business manager, Dean A Avedon in a statement to the New York Times.
His tragic passing comes after his wife and American-born actress Maria Grimm, sadly died in September last year.
He is survived by his son Christopher, daughter Carin, brother Caroll, along with further extended family members.
The cause of Janis’ passing is still unknown at this time but he leaves behind a legacy of lovable memories for those who knew him.
(Image: Getty Images)
Devastated fans, and friends have already flooded Twitter with tribute posts to honour Janis’ longstanding TV career.
One tweet read: “Just saw that Conrad Janis, Mindy’s dad from ‘Mork & Mindy’, passed away at age 94 on March 1.
“I can’t believe he was that old! I love that show. Now only Pam Dawber is left RIP Mr. Janis #conradjanis #morkandmindy.”
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Another person penned: “RIP Conrad Janis, dead at 94. His first film role was in 1945, but he hit character actor pay-dirt playing Mindy’s dad on 70 episodes of Mork & Mindy, starring Robin Williams and Pam Dawber from 1978 to 1982.”
While most will recognise Janis as an actor few will know that he was actually a talented American jazz trombonist.
Janis landed his first TV gig in 1940 when he appeared in Dark of the Moon and even bagged a role in a movie in 1945 in The Hagan – starring alongside Ronald Reagan and Shirley Temple.
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
He endured much acting success in the 70s – with appearances in some family favourite – Banacek, Cannon, Baretta, The Waltons, Maude, Happy Days, Police Story, The Jeffersons, Quark, and Laverne & Shirley.
After his most famed role of Fred McConnell came to an end on Mork & Mindy in 1984, he went on to star in some huge American sitcoms including; The Golden Girls, Murder, She Wrote and had a recurring role on Frasier.
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newslettershere
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
