Steve Landesberg 1936-2010 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 12-20-2010, 08:49 PM

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Steve Landesberg, a comic actor who played the intellectual Det. Arthur Dietrich in the long-running ABC sitcom "Barney Miller," has died. He was believed to be 74.

Landesberg died early Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said his agent, Jeff Leavitt. No cause was given.

"Barney Miller" starred Hal Linden in the title role as a New York police captain managing his offbeat group of officers in a Greenwich Village police station.

The show, which ran from 1975 to 1982, included Abe Vigoda as Det. Phil Fish, Ron Glass as Det. Ron Harris and Max Gail as Det. Stanley "Wojo" Wojohowicz.

Landesberg joined the cast in 1976 as Dietrich, whom a Times reviewer once referred to as "infuriatingly cerebral."

"I'm not really much like Dietrich," he told the Washington Post in 1979. "He reads everything. Science, technology, economics. I have no interest in that stuff.… I try to play him as a cop. Intellectual and funny, but a good cop."

Landesberg said police officers "tell me they know guys like Dietrich … most cops never fire their guns. That's why they like our show."

Landesberg was born in New York on Nov. 23, 1936, according to public records. In the Washington Post profile, he wouldn't disclose his age. "Let's just say I started late," he said. "It hurts you with casting directors.… If you tell them your age — let's say you're middle-aged — and they've never heard of you, they figure you're no good, or else they would've heard of you already. I tell my friends not to tell their ages."

Landesberg said he was quiet growing up. " And when I was in the service I was quiet, but in the barracks I'd get crazy," he told the Alameda (Calif.) Times-Star in 2003. "And then one day I took it onstage."

He started doing stand-up comedy in New York clubs in 1969, working on the same stages as David Brenner and Jimmie Walker.

"Before that I worked in a lot of hotels, as an assistant credit manager," he told the Detroit Free Press in 1997. "That's part clerk, cop and manager. To check out scam artists and bad credit cards, that was my early police training to train for playing a fictional cop."

Landesberg made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in the early 1970s and became a familiar face on television.

Before "Barney Miller," he also appeared on "Dean Martin Presents the Bobby Darin Amusement Co." in 1972 and "Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers" in 1974-75.

He had guest roles on "The Golden Girls" in 1991 and "That '70s Show" in 2007. His most recent film role was as pediatrician Dr. Rosenbaum in the 2008 comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," starring Jason Segel and Kristen Bell.

Landesberg also did commercials, including one for a truck company in 1985. During filming he met his wife, Nancy, a producer who survives him along with a daughter.

Mr. Television · 12-20-2010, 09:05 PM

It's so sad. God bless you Steve and thanks for the memories.

Brian Damage · 12-20-2010, 09:08 PM

OMG! He was still so young!

70s show watcher · 12-20-2010, 09:17 PM

i saw him in person once when i went to a taping of the merv griffin show he was really funny r i p steve

catlover79 · 12-20-2010, 09:23 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Loved him!!!

Marvo301 · 12-20-2010, 09:55 PM

Steve Landesberg

Retro4Life · 12-20-2010, 10:25 PM

Here's to a VERY underrated comic actor. He was always able to convey intelligence (not an easy thing to do) and his ultra dry sense of humor was so appealing. He really added something special to the BM show. His timing was absolutely perfect; what a unique actor.

This really makes me sad tonight.

Steve Landesberg

Janice · 12-20-2010, 11:47 PM

Actor Steve Landesberg Dead at 65

After a prolonged bout with cancer, longtime actor Steve Landesberg died Friday morning, The Hollywood Reporter reports. He was best known for his role on the long-running TV sitcom, 'Barney Miller.' He recently played a pediatrician in the hit comedy film, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' alongside Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Jason Segal.

"It is with great sadness to report the loss of my friend and client Steve Landesberg," his agent Jeffrey Leavitt said in a statement. "Working with Steve was an honor both personally and professionally. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed."

Landesberg was born on November 23, 1945 in New York City. In addition to his role on 'Barney Miller,' he also appeared on many other TV shows including 'Harvey Birdman,' 'Cosby,' 'Law & Order,' 'The Golden Girls,' 'Everybody Hates Chris,' 'Seinfeld' and most recently, a recurring role on the Starz original comedy show, 'Head Case.'

He also starred in a couple movies including 'Blade,' 'Ladybugs' and most recently, 'Wild Hogs.'

catlover79 · 12-21-2010, 12:26 AM

I can't even imagine anyone else playing Dietrich - he was perfect. There's a reason why he got three Emmy nominations for the role (though it was a shame he never won).

catlover79 · 12-21-2010, 12:40 AM

Such a shock - and so, so sad!!! The role of Det. Arthur Dietrich fit him like a glove. I can't even imagine anyone else in the role. Not for nothing was Mr. Landesberg nominated for three Emmys playing the character. Oddly enough, I just checked S8 of Law & Order out of the library and he is a guest in one of the episodes - I have it on now!

Marvo301 · 12-21-2010, 12:47 AM

I am both shocked and saddened at the news of Steve Landesberg's passing. Like Monika I can't imagine anyone but him playing Dietrich.

Yooch · 12-21-2010, 12:54 AM

A very funny man! He will be missed.

catlover79 · 12-21-2010, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooch

A very funny man! He will be missed.

He's playing a defense attorney on the L&O episode I mentioned before. It's odd to see him in a straight dramatic role (since all I've seen him in are comedies). But he definitely held his own opposite the ADAs Sam Waterston and Carey Lowell.

Zoneboy · 12-21-2010, 01:19 AM

It looks like Mr. Landesberg's agent can't get his facts straight. In my thread in the "Barney Miller" forum, He told The Hollywood Reporter that he passed on Friday at age 65 and now he's telling the LA Times that he passed early Monday. There's also some confusion as to his age.

L.A. Times

Steve Landesberg, a comic actor who played the intellectual Det. Arthur Dietrich in the long-running ABC sitcom " Barney Miller," has died. He was believed to be 74.

Landesberg died early Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said his agent, Jeff Leavitt. No cause was given.

"Barney Miller" starred Hal Linden in the title role as a New York police captain managing his offbeat group of officers in a Greenwich Village police station.

The show, which ran from 1975 to 1982, included Abe Vigoda as Det. Phil Fish, Ron Glass as Det. Ron Harris and Max Gail as Det. Stanley "Wojo" Wojohowicz.

Landesberg joined the cast in 1976 as Dietrich, whom a Times reviewer once referred to as "infuriatingly cerebral."

"I'm not really much like Dietrich," he told the Washington Post in 1979. "He reads everything. Science, technology, economics. I have no interest in that stuff.… I try to play him as a cop. Intellectual and funny, but a good cop."

Landesberg said police officers "tell me they know guys like Dietrich … most cops never fire their guns. That's why they like our show."

Landesberg was born in New York on Nov. 23, 1936, according to public records. In the Washington Post profile, he wouldn't disclose his age. "Let's just say I started late," he said. "It hurts you with casting directors.… If you tell them your age — let's say you're middle-aged — and they've never heard of you, they figure you're no good, or else they would've heard of you already. I tell my friends not to tell their ages."

Landesberg said he was quiet growing up. " And when I was in the service I was quiet, but in the barracks I'd get crazy," he told the Alameda (Calif.) Times-Star in 2003. "And then one day I took it onstage."

He started doing stand-up comedy in New York clubs in 1969, working on the same stages as David Brenner and Jimmie Walker.

"Before that I worked in a lot of hotels, as an assistant credit manager," he told the Detroit Free Press in 1997. "That's part clerk, cop and manager. To check out scam artists and bad credit cards, that was my early police training to train for playing a fictional cop."

Landesberg made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in the early 1970s and became a familiar face on television.

Before "Barney Miller," he also appeared on " Dean Martin Presents the Bobby Darin Amusement Co." in 1972 and "Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers" in 1974-75.

His had guest roles on "The Golden Girls" in 1991 and "That '70s Show" in 2007. His most recent film role was as pediatrician Dr. Rosenbaum in the 2008 comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," starring Jason Segel and Kristen Bell.

Landesberg also did commercials, including one for a truck company in 1985. During filming he met his wife, Nancy, a producer who survives him along with a daughter.

Mr. Television · 12-21-2010, 01:26 AM

It's so sad. He was great on Barney Miller. I didn't even know he was sick.

12-20-2010, 08:49 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,400	Steve Landesberg 1936-2010 Link Steve Landesberg, a comic actor who played the intellectual Det. Arthur Dietrich in the long-running ABC sitcom "Barney Miller," has died. He was believed to be 74. Landesberg died early Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said his agent, Jeff Leavitt. No cause was given. "Barney Miller" starred Hal Linden in the title role as a New York police captain managing his offbeat group of officers in a Greenwich Village police station. The show, which ran from 1975 to 1982, included Abe Vigoda as Det. Phil Fish, Ron Glass as Det. Ron Harris and Max Gail as Det. Stanley "Wojo" Wojohowicz. Landesberg joined the cast in 1976 as Dietrich, whom a Times reviewer once referred to as "infuriatingly cerebral." "I'm not really much like Dietrich," he told the Washington Post in 1979. "He reads everything. Science, technology, economics. I have no interest in that stuff.… I try to play him as a cop. Intellectual and funny, but a good cop." Landesberg said police officers "tell me they know guys like Dietrich … most cops never fire their guns. That's why they like our show." Landesberg was born in New York on Nov. 23, 1936, according to public records. In the Washington Post profile, he wouldn't disclose his age. "Let's just say I started late," he said. "It hurts you with casting directors.… If you tell them your age — let's say you're middle-aged — and they've never heard of you, they figure you're no good, or else they would've heard of you already. I tell my friends not to tell their ages." Landesberg said he was quiet growing up. " And when I was in the service I was quiet, but in the barracks I'd get crazy," he told the Alameda (Calif.) Times-Star in 2003. "And then one day I took it onstage." He started doing stand-up comedy in New York clubs in 1969, working on the same stages as David Brenner and Jimmie Walker. "Before that I worked in a lot of hotels, as an assistant credit manager," he told the Detroit Free Press in 1997. "That's part clerk, cop and manager. To check out scam artists and bad credit cards, that was my early police training to train for playing a fictional cop." Landesberg made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in the early 1970s and became a familiar face on television. Before "Barney Miller," he also appeared on "Dean Martin Presents the Bobby Darin Amusement Co." in 1972 and "Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers" in 1974-75. He had guest roles on "The Golden Girls" in 1991 and "That '70s Show" in 2007. His most recent film role was as pediatrician Dr. Rosenbaum in the 2008 comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," starring Jason Segel and Kristen Bell. Landesberg also did commercials, including one for a truck company in 1985. During filming he met his wife, Nancy, a producer who survives him along with a daughter.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads. Last edited by catlover79; 12-22-2010 at 03:20 AM. Reason: Adding information

12-20-2010, 09:05 PM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	It's so sad. God bless you Steve and thanks for the memories.
	__________________ Sonny

12-20-2010, 09:08 PM	#3
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	OMG! He was still so young!
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-20-2010, 09:23 PM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Loved him!!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

12-20-2010, 09:55 PM	#6
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Steve Landesberg
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin Last edited by Marvo301; 12-20-2010 at 11:43 PM.

12-20-2010, 09:17 PM	#4
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,549	i saw him in person once when i went to a taping of the merv griffin show he was really funny r i p steve

12-20-2010, 10:25 PM	#7
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	Here's to a VERY underrated comic actor. He was always able to convey intelligence (not an easy thing to do) and his ultra dry sense of humor was so appealing. He really added something special to the BM show. His timing was absolutely perfect; what a unique actor. This really makes me sad tonight. Steve Landesberg
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

12-20-2010, 11:47 PM	#8
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Actor Steve Landesberg Dead at 74 Actor Steve Landesberg Dead at 65 After a prolonged bout with cancer, longtime actor Steve Landesberg died Friday morning, The Hollywood Reporter reports. He was best known for his role on the long-running TV sitcom, 'Barney Miller.' He recently played a pediatrician in the hit comedy film, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' alongside Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Jason Segal. "It is with great sadness to report the loss of my friend and client Steve Landesberg," his agent Jeffrey Leavitt said in a statement. "Working with Steve was an honor both personally and professionally. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed." Landesberg was born on November 23, 1945 in New York City. In addition to his role on 'Barney Miller,' he also appeared on many other TV shows including 'Harvey Birdman,' 'Cosby,' 'Law & Order,' 'The Golden Girls,' 'Everybody Hates Chris,' 'Seinfeld' and most recently, a recurring role on the Starz original comedy show, 'Head Case.' He also starred in a couple movies including 'Blade,' 'Ladybugs' and most recently, 'Wild Hogs.'

12-21-2010, 12:26 AM	#9
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I can't even imagine anyone else playing Dietrich - he was perfect. There's a reason why he got three Emmy nominations for the role (though it was a shame he never won). Attached Images

12-21-2010, 12:40 AM	#10
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Such a shock - and so, so sad!!! The role of Det. Arthur Dietrich fit him like a glove. I can't even imagine anyone else in the role. Not for nothing was Mr. Landesberg nominated for three Emmys playing the character. Oddly enough, I just checked S8 of Law & Order out of the library and he is a guest in one of the episodes - I have it on now! Attached Images

12-21-2010, 12:47 AM	#11
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	I am both shocked and saddened at the news of Steve Landesberg's passing. Like Monika I can't imagine anyone but him playing Dietrich.

12-21-2010, 12:54 AM	#12
Yooch Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,180	A very funny man! He will be missed.
	__________________ "The true meaning of America, you ask? It's in a Texas rodeo, in a policeman's badge, in the sound of laughing children, in a political rally, in a newspaper...In all these things and many more, you'll find freedom. And freedom is what America means to the world. And to me." --Audie Leon Murphy June 20, 1924-- May 28, 1971

12-21-2010, 01:19 AM	#14
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,400	It looks like Mr. Landesberg's agent can't get his facts straight. In my thread in the "Barney Miller" forum, He told The Hollywood Reporter that he passed on Friday at age 65 and now he's telling the LA Times that he passed early Monday. There's also some confusion as to his age. L.A. Times Steve Landesberg, a comic actor who played the intellectual Det. Arthur Dietrich in the long-running ABC sitcom " Barney Miller," has died. He was believed to be 74. Landesberg died early Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said his agent, Jeff Leavitt. No cause was given. "Barney Miller" starred Hal Linden in the title role as a New York police captain managing his offbeat group of officers in a Greenwich Village police station. The show, which ran from 1975 to 1982, included Abe Vigoda as Det. Phil Fish, Ron Glass as Det. Ron Harris and Max Gail as Det. Stanley "Wojo" Wojohowicz. Landesberg joined the cast in 1976 as Dietrich, whom a Times reviewer once referred to as "infuriatingly cerebral." "I'm not really much like Dietrich," he told the Washington Post in 1979. "He reads everything. Science, technology, economics. I have no interest in that stuff.… I try to play him as a cop. Intellectual and funny, but a good cop." Landesberg said police officers "tell me they know guys like Dietrich … most cops never fire their guns. That's why they like our show." Landesberg was born in New York on Nov. 23, 1936, according to public records. In the Washington Post profile, he wouldn't disclose his age. "Let's just say I started late," he said. "It hurts you with casting directors.… If you tell them your age — let's say you're middle-aged — and they've never heard of you, they figure you're no good, or else they would've heard of you already. I tell my friends not to tell their ages." Landesberg said he was quiet growing up. " And when I was in the service I was quiet, but in the barracks I'd get crazy," he told the Alameda (Calif.) Times-Star in 2003. "And then one day I took it onstage." He started doing stand-up comedy in New York clubs in 1969, working on the same stages as David Brenner and Jimmie Walker. "Before that I worked in a lot of hotels, as an assistant credit manager," he told the Detroit Free Press in 1997. "That's part clerk, cop and manager. To check out scam artists and bad credit cards, that was my early police training to train for playing a fictional cop." Landesberg made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in the early 1970s and became a familiar face on television. Before "Barney Miller," he also appeared on " Dean Martin Presents the Bobby Darin Amusement Co." in 1972 and "Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers" in 1974-75. His had guest roles on "The Golden Girls" in 1991 and "That '70s Show" in 2007. His most recent film role was as pediatrician Dr. Rosenbaum in the 2008 comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," starring Jason Segel and Kristen Bell. Landesberg also did commercials, including one for a truck company in 1985. During filming he met his wife, Nancy, a producer who survives him along with a daughter.

12-21-2010, 01:26 AM	#15
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	It's so sad. He was great on Barney Miller. I didn't even know he was sick.