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Goodbye "Uncle Leo": Len Lesser Dies At 88
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 17, 2011
Modified Feb 17, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 17, 2011
Modified Feb 17, 2011
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Last night Jason Alexander returned from opening night of Gigi at the Reprise Theater Company to hear that Len Lesser, an old Seinfeld castmate, had died. Lesser portrayed the scene stealing (and book stealing) Uncle Leo on the groundbreaking sitcom. Alexander wrote the following via Twitter:
Thanks to all of you for your kind remarks re: Len Lesser. Tonight was the opening of Gigi at my beloved Reprise Theater Company and I've only returned at this late hour to hear the news.
Len was a tremendous guy. He was a smart actor/comedian who knew exactly what he was doing in the creation of Uncle Leo. I enjoyed many wonderful conversations with Len who was so openly grateful to be part of our show and so humble about his stunning contribution to it. I am so happy to have known him and my sympathies go to his family. But his was a fun life and he leaves many fans behind and many who will be enjoying his work for years to come.
"Hellooo" Uncle Leo. And goodbye. Sleep well. Much love.
Lesser was in 15 episodes of Seinfeld, playing Jerry's uncle, but he also made over 500 appearances in film, television and the stage during his long career spanning nearly six decades (they included The Outlaw Josey Wales, Get Smart, ER, thirtysomething, and even Alfred Hitchcock Presents). Lesser was 88 years old, and died from a cancer-related pneumonia; he was a New York native, but was living in California at the time of his death.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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