Noir & TV Vet Richard Erdman Dies @ 93

Richard Erdman, whose film career stretched back 75 years, and who had more recently become a familiar face on TV's Community, died Saturday, March 16, THR reported. He was 93.

His death was confirmed by film historian Alan K. Rode with no other details provided.

Born June 1, 1925, in Enid, Oklahoma, the actor earned a Warner Bros. contract as a teen when legendary director Michael Curtiz (1886-1962) was impressed with his skills.

With Brando (Image via U.A.)

Among his most memorable films were The Men (1950), the film debut of Marlon Brando (1924-2004); the noir classic Cry Danger (1951); and Stalag 17 (1953).

On TV, Erdman was strong in 1963's Twilight Zone episode "A Kind of Stopwatch"; playing a man engaged to postman Cliff's mom on an episode of Cheers (1986); and as offbeat Leonard on Community (2009-2015).

Erdman had close to 200 screen credits. He also directed two episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show (1966); the films Teenage Tease (1971); and The Brothers O'Toole (1973); and the TV movie Mooch Goes to Hollywood (1971).

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