How Did Richard Erdman Die?
He lived a long and successful life.
Getty "Community" actor Richard Erdman has died. He was 93.
Erdman, most known for his role alongside Donald Glover as Leonard in "Community," appeared in numerous shows and films for seven decades, including "The Twilight Zone," "Stalag 17," and "Cheers." His career began in the 1940s and the Oklahoma native went on to land hundreds of roles during his lifetime.
In the 50s, Erdman started appearing on TV shows, beginning with his recurring role on Ray Bolger’s “Where’s Raymond?” In no time he was making appearances on all types of shows, from “Lou Grant” and “Perry Mason,” and was guest-starring in popular hits like “Love, American Style,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “That Girl."
Erdman also voiced characters for many animated works, including "The Smurfs," "Scooby-Doo," and "Duck Tales."
So how did Richard Erdman die? Here's what you need to know about his death.
1. His friend announced his death on Twitter.
Erdman's good friend, film historian Alan K. Rode, reported his death on Twitter Saturday evening.
"Goodbye pal. Dick Erdman 1925-2019," Rode tweeted.
2. He had suffered a fall.
Erdman had dementia and suffered a fall two weeks prior to his death, Rodes revealed to the Hollywood Reporter. Although specifics about how he died are unclear, it is known Erdman was living in an assisted living facility in Los Angeles at the time of his passing.
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3. His wife and daughter died before him.
Erdman was married to his second wife Sharon Randall from 1953 until she died in 2016. Randall was also an actress, known for her roles in "The Bell Telephone Hour" and "Life with Elizabeth."
Erdman and Randall had a daughter, Erica, together in 1954. Sadly, she died before both of them in 2010 from an accidental overdose of prescription medicines. She was a poet and illustrator of "The Ellyn Maybe Coloring Book" and the author of the full-length collection of poems "The Apocalyptic Kid."
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4. He's being mourned by many.
Many friends and fans have taken to social media to mourn Erdman's death and remember the actor for who he was.
"I knew the day we’d have to say goodbye to this lovely man would come sooner than any of us were ready," Yvette Nicole Brown, a fellow "Community" star, wrote on Twitter. "But knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. #RichardErdman was JOY walking. Anyone who saw him on @CommunityTV gleeflully stealing every scene he was in knows that’s true.”
Erdman recently appeared on an episode of "Dr. Ken" and Ken Jeong said some kind words about him.
“Thank you Richard Erdman for blessing us with your brilliance," he wrote on Facebook. "Sweet, gentle and fearless. Nailed every take. Always made me laugh hard.”
Many remembered Erdman for his sense of humor and kind heart.
"Such a good & funny man. We’ll miss you ‘Leonard,” Joel McHale said in a tribute to his late "Community" co-star.
5. His legacy will live on.
Erdman was a part of more than 175 film and TV productions over the course of his decades-long career. After his death, those who knew Erdman spoke of his impact on their lives, proving his legacy as both a person and actor will never die.
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Sarah Gangraw writes about all things news, entertainment and crime. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.