HAPPY DAYS' Star Al Molinaro Dies at Age 96

USA Today reports that Al Molinaro, perhaps best known for his role as Al Delvecchio on the ABC sitcom HAPPY DAYS, passed away on Friday at the age of 96. According to the report, the actor died of COMPLICATIONS of gallstone problems.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Molinaro appeared in guest roles in such series as Bewitched, Get Smart, Green Acres, and That Girl. In 1970, he took on the role of police officer Murray Greshler on the TV sitcom The Odd Couple, which starred Jack Klugman and Tony Randall, based on Neil Simon's play.

In 1976, Molinaro was hired by Garry Marshall to replace Pat Morita on Happy Days. Molinaro's character was the owner of Arnold's malt shop, Al Delvecchio, who was known for the catchphrase "Yup-yup-yup-yup". The series ran for eleven seasons from 1974 to 1984.

In 1981, Molinaro was tapped by Garry Marshall again to play the Al Delvecchio role on the short-lived Happy Days spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi, starring Scott Baio and Erin Moran. The actor retired from acting in 1991.

Photo courtesy of ABC