View Full Version : Ned Wertimer (Ralph the Doorman) 1923-2013


Zoneboy
01-08-2013, 08:16 PM
Link (http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Ned-Wertimer-of-The-Jeffersons-dies-at-age-89/8946823)

Ned Wertimer, who played Ralph Hart the doorman on all 11 seasons of the comedy series "The Jeffersons" in the 1970s and 1980s, has died at age 89.

The retired actor passed away on January 2 at Sherman Village Health Care Center, outside of Los Angeles, from complications he suffered following a fall in his Burbank home in late November, his manager said in a statement obtained by OTRC.com on Tuesday.

Wertimer, was born in Buffalo, New York on October 27, 1923 and served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy in 1944 during World War II. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania, joined the fraternity Phi Gamma Delta and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. During his time at college, he participated in an all-male musical troupe and in school plays.

He moved to New York after graduation and acted in several Broadway shows, such as "Texas L'il Darlin,'" and "Bye Bye Birdie," and on TV programs such as "The Shari Lewis Show," a popular children's puppet series. He later moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and met the woman who would become his wife -- Dr. Skyne Uku.

"Wertimer was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Sidney Wertimer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Skyne Uku-Wertimer, Professor Emerita at California State University Long Beach, and by his brother's wife, Mrs. Eleanor Walsh Wertimer, as well as one niece and three nephews," his manager said. "Across the pond, Ned also had in-laws on his wife's side in London, England and in Port Harcourt, Nigeria."

He added that Wertimer: had a passion for travel, which enriched his life and became a part of his most memorable years. His worldwide adventures included riding a camel in Egypt, riding an elephant in Thailand and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia."

"The Jeffersons" aired between 1975 and 1985. Sherman Hemsley, who played the main character, the abrasive George Jefferson, died in 2012 at age 74. Isabel Sanford, who played his wife Louise "Weezy" Jefferson, died in 2004 at age 86.

In addition to "The Jeffersons," Wertimer has appeared on shows such as "Mork & Mindy," "Happy Days," "Starsky and Hutch" and in 2007, he starred on an episode of "The Practice." That year, he also played a pirate in the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

Wertimer has also appeared in films such as The Pack" in 1977, "Mame" in 1974, "Bad Company" in 1972 and "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" in 1964.

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/images/otrc/2010/photos/8946810_600x338.jpg

robyrob
01-08-2013, 08:29 PM
:rip:

cloggedmind
01-08-2013, 08:40 PM
Another sad loss.
:rip:

Brieannas21
01-08-2013, 09:43 PM
For some strange reason I thought that he died years ago. So sad

Mr. Television
01-08-2013, 11:23 PM
Rest in Peace Ned. Such a wonderful character you created. :(

duckie
01-09-2013, 12:10 AM
Looks like the only ones left is the housekeeper and George's daughter. RIP
I forgot about the second Lionel, I believe hes still living.

TVFactFan
01-09-2013, 12:13 AM
Looks like the only ones left is the housekeeper and George's daughter. RIP
I forgot about the second Lionel, I believe hes still living.


Yeah, the 2nd Lionel, Jenny and Florence

catlover79
01-09-2013, 02:46 AM
:rip: So sad.

I guess we could count Ebonie Smith (little Jessica) amongst the surviving cast, even though she was only on for the last season or two.

comedyfreak
01-09-2013, 05:07 AM
He lived a long life, born the same year as my Mom.

PrettyinPink55
01-09-2013, 12:34 PM
So sad! :( May he rest in peace. :(

Marvo301
01-09-2013, 05:37 PM
:rip: Ned Wertimer

DJM77
01-09-2013, 06:49 PM
:rip: So sad.

I guess we could count Ebonie Smith (little Jessica) amongst the surviving cast, even though she was only on for the last season or two.

Although they were all minor chatacters, the following are also still living.

Danny Wells (Charlie)
Jay Hammer (Allan)
Ernest Harden Jr. (Marcus)

TVFactFan
01-09-2013, 07:08 PM
Although they were all minor chatacters, the following are also still living.

Danny Wells (Charlie)
Jay Hammer (Allan)
Ernest Harden Jr. (Marcus)


Ebonie......NO

Jay Hammer.....YES

Ernest Harden.....NO

Danny Wells........YES

Larenz09
01-09-2013, 11:06 PM
He died on January 2, and they just announcing it NOW?!!! :eek:

TVFactFan
01-09-2013, 11:09 PM
He died on January 2, and they just announcing it NOW?!!! :eek:



He was a minor character on the show so that's probably why. Not like it was Marla Gibbs

Zoneboy
01-09-2013, 11:52 PM
He died on January 2, and they just announcing it NOW?!!! :eek:

There could be any number of reasons why it wasn't immediately announced and Solomon is correct, the status of his role could've played a part in it. The passing of big name stars like Sherman will be all over the news almost as soon as it happens but lesser known stars like Mr. Wertimer may not be acknowledged for several days or longer. It could also have been a family decision, some people like to have a private memorial for their loved ones before releasing any info regarding their passing. I've read obits for actors and other celebrities that were first made public for several weeks or longer after their death.

catlover79
01-10-2013, 03:28 AM
^ :yeahthat

DJM77
01-10-2013, 07:30 AM
Ebonie......NO

Jay Hammer.....YES

Ernest Harden.....NO

Danny Wells........YES

What?

faraj
01-10-2013, 05:54 PM
:rip: So sad.

I guess we could count Ebonie Smith (little Jessica) amongst the surviving cast, even though she was only on for the last season or two.
And Danny Wells (Charlie the bartender) too.

faraj
01-10-2013, 05:55 PM
There could be any number of reasons why it wasn't immediately announced and Solomon is correct, the status of his role could've played a part in it. The passing of big name stars like Sherman will be all over the news almost as soon as it happens but lesser known stars like Mr. Wertimer may not be acknowledged for several days or longer. It could also have been a family decision, some people like to have a private memorial for their loved ones before releasing any info regarding their passing. I've read obits for actors and other celebrities that were first made public for several weeks or longer after their death.
Well, it was also on TSoD's FB page which was how I knew about Ned's passing. May he RIP.

Zoneboy
01-10-2013, 06:04 PM
Well, it was also on TSoD's FB page which was how I knew about Ned's passing. May he RIP.

I hate to ask but right now I'm drawing a blank. What is TSoD's?

faraj
01-10-2013, 06:42 PM
I hate to ask but right now I'm drawing a blank. What is TSoD's?
TSoD stands for TVShowsOnDVD. It's a website, and it has a FB page too. So I'm just giving you the link of the site itself.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com

Zoneboy
01-10-2013, 06:48 PM
TSoD stands for TVShowsOnDVD. It's a website, and it has a FB page too. So I'm just giving you the link of the site itself.

Ok, I've definitely heard of it but wasn't thinking about it when I saw your abbreviation. Truth is I'm no fan of that site but thanks for the link just the same.

faraj
01-10-2013, 06:56 PM
Ok, I've definitely heard of it but wasn't thinking about it when I saw your abbreviation. Truth is I'm no fan of that site but thanks for the link just the same.
It's all right. Yeah, I just used abbreviation for convenience. I thought it was popular site which everybody knows about. I've been going to that site every single day ever since I first heard of it about 10 yrs. ago.

TVFactFan
01-10-2013, 07:28 PM
What?


Marcus was not a cast member of the Jeffersons, he was a frequent guest star.

Jessica is debatable since she was young and had a minor role


Definitely Charlie and Alan Willis

MickeyMac
01-11-2013, 01:55 PM
Another loss for the cast RIP

catlover79
01-11-2013, 05:06 PM
And Danny Wells (Charlie the bartender) too.

I'd forgotten to add him. Thanks.

cleverfun3000
01-11-2013, 06:54 PM
Yeah, the 2nd Lionel, Jenny and Florence

George Jefferson NEVER had a daughter....I guess you are referring to Jenny - his daughter-in-law.

TVFactFan
01-11-2013, 07:09 PM
George Jefferson NEVER had a daughter....I guess you are referring to Jenny - his daughter-in-law.


Do me a favor and stop posting

cleverfun3000
01-15-2013, 11:30 PM
Do me a favor and stop posting


Ha Ha Ha Ha .....Okay.