Actor Al Molinaro died Friday in Glendale, California, his son Michael Molinaro said. He was 96.
Molinaro, who was best known for his role as Big Al Delvecchio in the sitcom “Happy Days,” suffered from complications of a gall stone ailment and was at Verdugo Hills Hospital when he died. Due to his age, he could not have his gall bladder removed.
Happy Days chronicled teenagers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1950’s. It ran on ABC network from 1974 — 1984, Molinaro appeared in more than 140 episodes.
He is survived by his second wife, Betty Molinaro, his son Michael from his first marriage, and three grandchildren.
Molinaro also appeared in Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” music video from 1994. “That was a surprise and joy to see how that succeeded,” his son Michael said. The video has had more than 20 million views.
Molinaro other acting credits include “Freaky Friday” and “Happy Days” spinoff “Joanie Loves Chachi.”
Al Molinaro was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin.