Larry Harpel, actor, writer and teacher, died in his sleep at his home in Venice, Calif., on Saturday. He was 55.
He appeared in numerous films, stage productions and television shows, including "Cheers."

Born in Boston, Harpel graduated from Boston U. in 1972, then worked in community theater before moving to Los Angeles.

He worked on "Cheers" from 1984 to 1987, and later served as a dialogue coach on "Hard Time on Planet Earth" and "Amen."

At the time of his death, Harpel was a schoolteacher in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

He is survived by a former wife, Mary; a brother, Gerry; a sister, Elaine Pavloff; and three nephews.

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