James Gregory, 90, of TV's 'Barney Miller' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 09-18-2002, 10:00 AM

Actor James Gregory Dies in Arizona
Wed Sep 18, 6:59 AM ET

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) - Character actor James Gregory, who played Inspector Lugar for eight seasons on television's "Barney Miller," died Monday. He was 90.

Gregory died in his home in Sedona as the result of an undisclosed terminal illness, niece Larain Gregory-LaMonte said Tuesday.

In the late 70's and early 80's, Gregory was well known for his role as Inspector Lugar during eight seasons on the "Barney Miller" series. He also appeared in 25 Broadway shows, including a stint as "Biff" in "Death of a Salesman."

Among the actor's 30 film credits were the Elvis Presley vehicle "Clambake" in 1967 and the 1965 western "Sons of Katie Elder" with John Wayne and Dean Martin. In 1962, Gregory played Senator John Iselin in the acclaimed "Manchurian Candidate."

Gregory-LaMonte said Gregory, who had no children of his own, was a "second father" to nieces and nephews and was always gracious towards the many fans who approached him in public.

"We would go out to dinner and people would always say, 'I know who you are,'" she said from Malibu, Calif. "They would reel off the movies they had seen with him, but they wouldn't always remember his name. He always loved it and welcomed it with open arms when anyone would come up to him."

Sedona Funeral Home Manager Phil Harrison said it has not been determined when the funeral will take place.

LeatherTuscadaro · 09-21-2002, 07:21 PM

Hey TJ I Read The News Yesterday In The New York Post I Felt So Bad James a Good Charactor Actor I Loved Him As Inspector Lugar He was a Riot. CJ

bernice · 09-27-2002, 02:11 PM

I hadn't heard, thanks for the update. Sad news...he was indeed a great character actor and since Barney Miller is one of my all-time favs, his Luger was especially fun to watch.

LeatherTuscadaro · 09-29-2002, 11:59 AM

Hi Bernice Your Right He Was Fun To Watch The Inspector Luger Charactor Was Very Uniqe With Memories Of Foster Kliner And The Famous Brownie

Marvo301 · 10-06-2002, 12:10 AM

I just saw an episode of M*A*S*H yesterday in which James Gregory guest starred. Ironically his character (Lt. General Iron Guts Kelly) dies in the episode. Mr. Gregory was a great character actor. His "Lugor" was my favorite character on Barney Miller. He will be missed but his memory will live on in countless reruns and late-night showings of his movies.

09-18-2002, 10:00 AM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,677	James Gregory, 90, of TV's 'Barney Miller' Actor James Gregory Dies in Arizona Wed Sep 18, 6:59 AM ET SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) - Character actor James Gregory, who played Inspector Lugar for eight seasons on television's "Barney Miller," died Monday. He was 90. Gregory died in his home in Sedona as the result of an undisclosed terminal illness, niece Larain Gregory-LaMonte said Tuesday. In the late 70's and early 80's, Gregory was well known for his role as Inspector Lugar during eight seasons on the "Barney Miller" series. He also appeared in 25 Broadway shows, including a stint as "Biff" in "Death of a Salesman." Among the actor's 30 film credits were the Elvis Presley vehicle "Clambake" in 1967 and the 1965 western "Sons of Katie Elder" with John Wayne and Dean Martin. In 1962, Gregory played Senator John Iselin in the acclaimed "Manchurian Candidate." Gregory-LaMonte said Gregory, who had no children of his own, was a "second father" to nieces and nephews and was always gracious towards the many fans who approached him in public. "We would go out to dinner and people would always say, 'I know who you are,'" she said from Malibu, Calif. "They would reel off the movies they had seen with him, but they wouldn't always remember his name. He always loved it and welcomed it with open arms when anyone would come up to him." Sedona Funeral Home Manager Phil Harrison said it has not been determined when the funeral will take place.

09-21-2002, 07:21 PM	#2
LeatherTuscadaro Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 05, 2002 Location: Pensylvania Posts: 94	Hey TJ I Read The News Yesterday In The New York Post I Felt So Bad James a Good Charactor Actor I Loved Him As Inspector Lugar He was a Riot. CJ

09-27-2002, 02:11 PM	#3
bernice Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 05, 2002 Posts: 5	I hadn't heard, thanks for the update. Sad news...he was indeed a great character actor and since Barney Miller is one of my all-time favs, his Luger was especially fun to watch.

09-29-2002, 11:59 AM	#4
LeatherTuscadaro Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 05, 2002 Location: Pensylvania Posts: 94	Hi Bernice Your Right He Was Fun To Watch The Inspector Luger Charactor Was Very Uniqe With Memories Of Foster Kliner And The Famous Brownie

10-06-2002, 12:10 AM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	I just saw an episode of MAS*H yesterday in which James Gregory guest starred. Ironically his character (Lt. General Iron Guts Kelly) dies in the episode. Mr. Gregory was a great character actor. His "Lugor" was my favorite character on Barney Miller. He will be missed but his memory will live on in countless reruns and late-night showings of his movies.