HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Len Lesser, best known as the beloved Uncle Leo on the hit sitcom Seinfeld, has died. He was 88.
Lesser passed away Wednesday from cancer-related pneumonia at a care facility in Burbank, Calif., his family told the Associated Press.
"Heaven got a great comedian and actor today," his daughter, Michele, said in the statement. "The outpouring of sympathy we’ve already received has been amazing and is so greatly appreciated. Thank you to all the people who helped make my father’s last journey special and surrounded with love."
Lesser began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in such movies as Birdman of Alcatraz, Kelly’s Heroes, Papillon and The Outlaw Josey Wales.
On Seinfeld, the New York native was known for his catchphrase "Jerry! Hello!" He appeared in 15 episodes from 1991-98.
His other television credits over the years included such shows as Get Smart, The Munsters, The Monkees, The Rockford Files, thirtysomething, ER and Everybody Loves Raymond.
Lesser’s last TV appearance was on ABC’s Castle in 2009.
