Charles Lane, the prolific character actor whose name was little known but whose crotchety persona and roles in hundreds of films made him instantly recognizable to generations of moviegoers, has died. He was 102.


His son, Tom Lane, said he was talking with his father at 9 p.m. Monday. "He was lying in bed with his eyes real wide open. Then he closed his eyes and stopped breathing."

Lane, whose career spanned more than 60 years, appeared in such film classics as "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Twentieth Century." He also had a recurring role as the scheming railroad man, Homer Bedloe, on the 1960s TV sitcom "Petticoat Junction" and appeared often on "I Love Lucy."

Ok, I had to research to figure out what roles he played on I Love Lucy.

He played the gentleman whose wife gave birth to their ninth child, a girl. :lol: He also played the business manager that Ricky hired for Lucy.

I had no idea he was 102. What a life he must have led.

RIP CHARLES LANE. Thank you for the memories.

I was very saddened by the news, at least he did lead a long life.

He also played the passport clerk in the Staten Island episode. Fred pulled the plug to the clock so the foursome would have more time with sleepy time Lucy.