Allan Melvin dies.

[Dream Street Rose]

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"Brady Bunch" actor Allan Melvin dies in Los Angeles at 84
1 day ago

LOS ANGELES - Allan Melvin, a character actor with countless credits best known for playing Sam the Butcher on "The Brady Bunch," has died. He was 84.

Melvin died of cancer Thursday at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, said his wife of 64 years, Amalia Melvin.

The jowly, jovial Melvin spent decades playing a series of sidekicks, second bananas and lovable lugs, including Archie Bunker's friend Barney Hefner on "All in the Family," and Sgt. Bilko's right-hand man Cpl. Henshaw on the "Phil Silvers Show."

But his place in pop culture will be fixed as butcher and bowler Sam Franklin, the love interest of Brady family maid Alice Nelson, played by Ann B. Davis. Melvin played the role from 1970 to 1973.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1923, Melvin grew up in New York and attended Columbia University.

He was appearing on Broadway in "Stalag 17" when he began his decades-long television career with "The Phil Silvers Show," playing a role his wife said was always his favorite.

"He was proudest of that show," Amalia Melvin said. "I think the camaraderie of all those guys made it such a pleasant way to work. They were so relaxed."

He saw steady employment as a voice actor from the early 1960s to the early 1990s, most famously providing the voice of "Magilla Gorilla" for the Hanna Barbera cartoon of the same name.

His other credits include several guest appearances on "The Andy Griffith Show," "Gomer Pyle: USMC," and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

In addition to Amalia, Melvin is survived by daughter Jennifer Hanson and grandson Jon Hanson Jr. A daughter, Mya, died in 1970.
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[Jesse Joe]

Cant say that I ever heard of Allan Melvin. But it is also sad to hear this... Thanks again Rose.

[Borderstone]

Jesse,if you've ever watched The Brady Bunch (as Rose mentions here) he played Alice the housekeeprs boyfriend Sam Franklin (or Sam The Butcher) for about 10 episodes or more in the five year series.

Maybe his names not familiar to some but that's what makes them character actors. Their face is familiar but their name escapes you. Melvin also was "Drooper" on the late 60's /early '70s Sat. kids show "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour". 3 men in funny animal costumes bumbling around and introducing cartoons.

Melvin has a resume' a mile long,jus check it out on IMDB.

He'll be missed for his great humor and wonderful cartoon work.

[Jesse Joe]

Oh yes Border I was a Brady Bunch fan, also The Partridge Family, Eight Is Enough, aso... It is the name that was not familiar to me. But the face I saw a lot. Allan Melvin (Barney Hefner), on Archie's Place, (All In The Family).


Thanks Borderstone...