Birthday: Al Lewis

In his youth, Al Lewis began his career performing in the circus. But instead of continuing in the field of entertainment, Lewis decided on college. He earned a Ph.D. in child psychology from Columbia University. He became a teacher and wrote two children's books. But in 1949 Lewis turned to acting.

After years on Broadway, Lewis landed his first TV Series, Car 54, Where Are You? The show featured Lewis and co-star Fred Gwynne as foolish police officers. Both men would recieve greater fame in their next collaberation together, The Munsters. Lewis played Grandpa Dracula, the father-in-law to Gwynne's Frankenstein character. It was a role that both men would be remembered for their entire lives and beyond.

Since the end of The Munsters, Lewis has appeared on numerous television shows. He also ran for governor of New York in 1998 as a member of the Green Party. In June of 2003 Lewis had his third angioplasty. Complications from the surgery necessitated the ambutation of his right leg and his left foot.

If Grandpa Munster died today he would be worth 5 points for Jim.