Lew Parker (born Austin Lewis Jacobs,[1] October 29, 1907 – October 27, 1972) was an American television, stage and musical theatre actor. His most notable role was as Lew Marie, the arrogant, but doting, father of Marlo Thomas's character, Ann Marie, on the 1960s television series That Girl.[2]

Lew Parker
Publicity Photo of Lew Parker
Born
Austin Lewis Jacobs

(1907-10-29)October 29, 1907
DiedOctober 27, 1972(1972-10-27) (aged 64)

Early years edit

Parker was born in Brooklyn[2] and was the son of Lewis Jacobs, who performed in vaudeville.[3]

Acting edit

Parker appeared on one episode of the television series Gidget in 1966 as Mr. Socrates, the crusty proprietor of The Shaggy Dog, a hamburger restaurant that was a hangout for teenagers.[citation needed] Parker appeared in the television series F Troop in 1966, "The Ballot of Corporal Agarn" as George C Bragan. Parker's character is a mayoral candidate from Corporal Agarn's hometown in New Jersey, and he travels West to get Corporal Agarn's vote since the election was tied and Agarn's absentee ballot is needed to break the tie. Parker's Broadway credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1972), Mr. Wonderful (1956), Ankles Aweigh (1955), The Front Page (1946), Are You With It? (1945), Red, Hot and Blue (1936), Girl Crazy (1930), Heads Up (1929), Spring is Here (1929), and Rainbow (1928).[4]

Personal life/death edit

In 1955, Parker married actress Betty Kean.[3] They remained together until Parker's death from cancer in New York City on October 27, 1972.[5] Betty Kean died on September 29, 1986, also from cancer.[6]

Filmography edit

Year Title Role Notes
1921 The Kid Extra in Heaven Scene Uncredited
1948 Are You with It? Goldie McGoldrick
1958 Country Music Holiday Himself

References edit

  1. ^ Room, Adrian (2014). Dictionary of Pseudonyms: 13,000 Assumed Names and Their Origins, 5th ed. McFarland. p. 368. ISBN 978-0-7864-5763-2. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Actor Lew Parker Dies". Fort Lauderdale News. October 29, 1972. p. 9C. Retrieved July 12, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Scott, Vernon (June 23, 1968). "Away From 'That Girl,' Lew Parker's Relaxed Type". The Star Press. Muncie, Indiana. United Press International. p. 22. Retrieved July 12, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Lew Parker". Internet Broadway Database. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  5. ^ "Lew Parker, Comedian, Dead; Father of 'That Girl' on TV". The New York Times. October 28, 1972. p. 34. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  6. ^ "Betty Kean, 69, a TV Actress And Part of 50's Comedy Act". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 3, 1986. p. D18. Retrieved 2021-10-01.

External links edit