Larry Storch, a well-known comedian turned actor, died on July 8 at the age of 99. Storch was well-known for his role as Eddie Spencer in CBS’ The Ghost Busters. He was also well-known for his roles in the iconic TV series F Troop. The actor’s official Facebook page announced his death and disclosed that he died in his sleep.
According to the Facebook post:
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that our dear Larry went away in his sleep tonight. We are stunned and at a loss for words right now…”
According to CBS News, Storch’s manager Matt Beckoff said that 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.
The couple leaves behind three children and countless grandkids
Larry Storch’s history is explored, including his memorable performances in F Troop and The Ghostbusters. Storch was well known for his appearances in The Ghostbusters and F Troop. He played many roles in the F Troop television series, including Corporal Randolph Agarn, Dmitri Agarnoff, and Lucky Pierre Agarniere. During the show’s two-year run from 1965 to 1967, he appeared in about 65 episodes. Despite its brief existence, F Troop was well-liked 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 customary role as Spencer, Storch appeared as Big Al in one episode of The Ghost Busters. The actor has appeared in around 15 episodes of the series.
Netizens respond to Larry Storch’s death.
Following his death, fans of the legendary actor flocked to social media to share their condolences. Numerous admirers also congratulated him for his many comic roles throughout his career.
RIP Larry Storch, who as a postwar comic in L.A. is believed to have invented the “Judy Judy Judy” Cary Grant impression. (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 star turns of all time. Due to his passing, that dippy song will be stuck 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 memory of the actor’s career, a chance encounter with comedian Phil Harris secured him a job opening for I Love Lucy actress Lucille Ball’s husband Desi Arnaz, who was performing at West Hollywood’s Ciro’s Le Disc nightclub.
After briefly working as an impressionist on the radio, Storch ventured into TV programs in the late 1940s. The comedian had his own short-lived comedic variety program, The Larry Storch Show, in 1953. Following that, he had a number of one-off appearances in TV shorts, TV series episodes, and as a comic on talk programs.
Storch’s career took off 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 for three years and had over 70 episodes that recognized Storch.
Storch also featured in F Troop in 1965, which proved to be a career-defining role for the actor. His performance in the series garnered him an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series” two years later. Storch’s career spans six decades, with the majority of his most recent assignments taking place in 2005. His last appearance onscreen was in an episode of the 2010 TV series Medium Rare. Larry Storch made his impact in about 249 productions during the course of his career.
