Gary Friedkin — who performed an Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi — has died at age 70 from Covid-19 problems, in response to a web based obituary.
The actor handed away peacefully on December 2 at a hospice after “enduring a difficult” three-and-a-half weeks within the intensive care unit of an Ohio hospital, per the tribute within the Tribune Chronicle.
Born November 23, 1952 in Youngstown, Friedkin is being remembered as a “gift to all who knew him”, the New York Post reviews.
“Gary was a light of joy and inspiration that will be evergreen to all who see his work for generations to come. Garry Marshall once said, ‘Gary makes my heart smile’,” Happy Days star Anson Williams, who performed Potsie on the sitcom, solely instructed The Post in an e mail on Friday.
A piano participant, Friedkin educated on the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, the place he reportedly graduated with a music diploma.
He moved to Los Angeles and made his Hollywood debut within the Chevy Chase comedy Under the Rainbow in 1981, in response to the Hollywood Reporter.
The 1.2m tall actor — nicknamed “Kishka” — was mentioned to be an lively member of Little People of America.
He appeared within the blockbuster movie Blade Runner and on episodes of The Twilight Zone, The Practice and Chicago Hope.
He performed Clarence, a prepare dinner at Arnold’s restaurant, on Happy Days.
Most lately, Friedkin carried out in Marshall’s 2016 movie Mother’s Day as Shorty.
“[Gary was] an amazing son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend,” the obituary learn.
“Gary lived his life to the absolute fullest, bringing endless laughs to his family and many friends, while never letting the obstacles he faced get in his way.”
The tribute continued: “While Gary may have been short of stature, he was a giant amongst his family and friends. His legacy will live on as stories are told and retold for years to come by all who loved him.”
The obituary ended with a promise for a celebration of Friedkin’s life within the spring and a plea for “everyone to get vaccinated and boosted to protect their family and community”.
This article initially appeared within the New York Post and has been reproduced with permission
Originally printed as Beloved Happy Days and Star Wars actor Gary Friedkin lifeless of Covid-19 at 70
