Larry Storch, a well-known comedian-turned-actor, died on July 8 at the age of 99. Storch was known for his role as Eddie Spencer on CBS’s The Ghost Busters. He was also known for his roles in the iconic TV series F Troop. The actor’s official Facebook page announced his death, revealing that he died in his sleep.
According to the Facebook post:
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our dear Larry passed away in his sleep last night. We are stunned and have no words at the moment…”
According to CBS News, Storch’s manager Matt Beckoff said the actor died of natural causes. His death occurred just five months before what would have been his 100th birthday. From 1961 until her death in 2003, the actress was married to Norma Catherine Greve.
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The couple leaves behind three children and numerous grandchildren
The history of Larry Storch is explored, including his memorable appearances in F Troop and The Ghostbusters. Storch was known for his appearances in The Ghostbusters and F Troop. He played many roles on the television series F Troop, including Corporal Randolph Agarn, Dmitri Agarnoff and Lucky Pierre Agarniere. During the show’s two-year run from 1965 to 1967, he appeared in approximately 65 episodes. Despite its short existence, F Troop was much loved at the time.
Storch played Eddie Spencer in CBS’ live-action children’s TV series The Ghost Busters in 1975. This series should not be confused with Columbia Pictures’ 1980 film franchise The Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman, which has a similar concept. In addition to his usual role as Spencer, Storch appeared as Big Al in an episode of The Ghost Busters. The actor has appeared in about 15 episodes of the series.
Netizens react to the death of Larry Storch.
After his death, fans of the legendary actor flocked to social media to share their condolences. Numerous admirers also congratulated him on his many comedic roles throughout his career.
RIP Larry Storch, who invented the Cary Grant impression “Judy Judy Judy” as a post-war comic in LA. (excerpt from Cary Grant interview 🙂 pic.twitter.com/T4ovJ3ynTh
— James Urbaniak (@JamesUrbaniak) July 8, 2022
Larry Storch had a long, long career…but his turn as “The Groovy Guru” on “Get Smart!” remains one of the greatest guest stars of all time. Because of his passing, that dippy song will stay in my head all day today.
— Alan Spencer (@MrAlanSpencer) July 8, 2022
Larry Storch’s Career as a Comedian and Actor
Larry Storch apparently served in the US Navy after growing up during the Great Depression. Storch had worked as a stand-up comedian before joining the Navy. His venture into the comedy scene continued after he left the Navy. According to Gary Brumburgh’s recollection of the actor’s career, a chance meeting with comedian Phil Harris landed him a vacancy for Desi Arnaz, the husband of I Love Lucy actress Lucille Ball, who performed at Ciro’s Le Disc nightclub in West Hollywood.
After working for radio for a short while as an impressionist, Storch ventured into TV shows in the late 1940s. The comedian had his own short-lived comedy variety show, The Larry Storch Show, in 1953. He then had a number of one-off appearances in short TV shows, TV series episodes, and as a comic on talk shows.
Storch’s career started in the 1960s when he landed parts in the animated TV series Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales. He played characters such as Phineas J. Whoopee, Rocky Maninoff and Red Beard on the program. From 1963 to 1966, the children’s cartoon series lasted three years and had more than 70 episodes that Storch recognized.
Storch also starred in F Troop in 1965, which turned out to be a career-defining role for the actor. His performance on the series earned him an Emmy nomination two years later for “Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.” Storch’s career spans six decades, with most of his most recent assignments taking place in 2005. His last on-screen appearance was in a 2010 episode of the TV series Medium Rare. Larry Storch impressed in about 249 productions over the course of his career.
