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R.I.P. Marvin Kaplan of 'Alice' and 'Top Cat'

The actor best known as Henry on 'Alice' passed away at 89.

August 26, 2016, 2:20PM By MeTV Staff

Everett Collection

Marvin Kaplan, best known as Henry on the 1980s sitcom Alice, died Wednesday morning at the age of 89.

"It is with a sad and heavy heart to inform you our very own Marvin Kaplan passed away today at 5 a.m. in his sleep," said a statement released by Theatre West. "We loved Marvin. He will truly be missed."

Kaplan started out his career with guest appearances on several TV shows, even landing a role on the sitcom Meet Millie in the 1950s.

In 1961, Kaplan became the voice of Choo-Choo in the animated series Top Cat. The role would become of his best remembered, despite only airing for one season.

For the next 20 years, Kaplan continued to make appearances on shows like Honey West, Gidget, Petticoat Junction, and CHiPs.

In 1978, Kaplan landed his best-known role of Henry Beesmeyer, a phone lineman who frequented Mel's Diner. The comical character won over audiences by always making fun of the cooking at the restaurant. Kaplan appeared in over 80 episodes from the start until the series wrapped in 1985.

The hard-working actor continued to appear on television and lend his voice to various shows until 2004.

According to Theatre West, Kaplan died of natural causes.

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