Jack Gilford (July 25, 1908 – June 2, 1990)

This quirky raspy voiced character actor began his career in the 1940’s. Between 1940 and 1982 he appeared in many Broadway productions and walked away with a few Tony award nominations. Also in 1940 he appeared in his first film Hey, Rookie. Some of his other film credits include Reckless Age, Enter Laughing, The Incident, Caveman, Cheaper to Keep Her and Arthur 2: On the Rocks… He soon began appearing on television and appeared on such programs as “The Garry Moore Show”, “Toast of the Town”, “The Dean Martin Show”, “The Mike Douglas Show”, “Car 54, Where are You?”, “The Edge of Night”, “The Defenders”, “The Ghost & Mrs. Muir”, “Get Smart”, “McMillan & Wife”, “Rhoda”, “Police Woman”, “Lou Grant”, “Soap”, “Taxi”, “Alice”, “The Love Boat”, “Trapper John, M.D.”, “Hotel”, “Mama’s Family”, “Night Court”, “The Ellen Burstyn Show”, “thirtysomething” and “Head of the Class.” In 1978 he played Grandpa in the television series “Apple Pie.” Unfortunately the series was canceled after seven episodes. In 1984 he had a recurring role as Brooks Carmichael on “The Duck Factory.” His final acting role was in an episode of “B.L. Stryker” in 1989… He also had a very memorable guest role as driving instructor Wilbur Harlow in a 1969 episode of “Here’s Lucy.” The story finds Lucy Carter (Lucille Ball) helping her son Craig (Desi Arnaz, Jr.) get his driver’s license much to the chagrin of the strung out Wilbur Harlow. He was also incredibly funny as Max Weinstock in a two part episode of “The Golden Girls” in 1988. Hilariously funny Weinstock finds himself married to Estelle Getty’s Sophia Petrillo for a short period. My favorite performance though was the one he gave on “All in the Family.” The episode was called “Archie Finds a Friend” and it originally aired on January 26, 1976. Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) comes home one night and tells his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) that he has become very good friends with an aging jeweler named Mr. Bernstein. Archie goes onto to say that Mr. Bernstein has asked him to invest one thousand dollars in his invention, a portable doorbell ringer. Archie is all set to do it, but Edith is hesitant of course. After explaining to her that it might be his one big chance to really be part of something successful she gives in. Archie has the money all ready and Mr. Bernstein arrives at the house for dinner. As he shows Archie how his invention works there appears to be a few glitches but he assures Archie that he can fix them. Suddenly the man collapses and Archie and Edith get him to the sofa. In his pocket they find a bottle of pills and Edith rushes to call the doctor. After a short while Edith hangs up the phone and looks at Archie with a very grim face. As Archie talks to Mr. Bernstein he realizes that the man has passed away. Edith and Archie step onto the porch and there is a great deal of silence…Edith eventually asks “What was his first name?” to which Archie replies “I dunno.” Archie then picks up the doorbell ringer and begins pushing the button…the screen fades to black as Archie and Edith listen to the doorbells ring…and smile. It was an incredibly powerful episode and it wouldn’t have been the same if not for the talent involved. In Memoriam Remembers: Jack Gilford