RIP Uncle Leo

Actor Len Lesser, best known for his role as Uncle Leo on 'Seinfeld,' is dead, the Associated Press reports. The veteran character actor died at home in Burbank, Calif., from cancer-related pneumonia. He was 88.

In a statement, Lesser's daughter, Michele Lesser, said, "Heaven got a great comedian and actor today. ... Thank you to all the people who helped make my father's last journey special, and surrounded with love. The doctors, nurses, and staff have been outstanding, and Dad was in phenomenal hands. His passing was peaceful, with great dignity, and surrounded by those who loved him dearly."
In addition to his widely known role on 'Seinfeld,' Lesser appeared on many other television series over the course of his 60-year career, including 'Get Smart,' 'That Girl,' 'The Munsters,' 'The Monkees,' 'thirtysomething,' 'ER' and 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' His most recent TV appearance was on TV drama 'Castle.'

Mr. Lesser was one hell of an actor. The Seinfeld gig surprised me because he usually played if not the heavy then someone you liked to dislike. Did his share of movies, too, and must have had a really good agent because most of his films turned out to be classics.

Outlaw Josey Wales, Kelly's Heroes, Somebody Up There Likes Me, and Papillon just to name a few.