Orson Bean began his eclectic acting career with a role in an American radio series in 1952 – and was still making audiences laugh more than 60 years later.
Bean, who has died aged 91, performed in famous shows such as The Twilight Zone, The Phil Silvers Show, Diagnosis: Murder, Ally McBeal and Murder, She Wrote.
He appeared in 146 episodes of Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman as Loren Bray and featured in surreal 1999 fantasy comedy Being John Malkovich.
The actor had a recurring role in drama Desperate Housewives between 2009 and 2012 as local handyman Roy Bender.
And at the age of 87, in 2016, he was still going strong with a part in popular sitcom Modern Family.
He was also the last surviving founding member of the Sons Of The Desert, The International Laurel & Hardy Society.
Stage and screen legend Barbara Streisand was among those who paid tribute to the performer.
She said: “Orson Bean was so sweet. So kind. He put me on my first TV show. Thank you Orson. RIP.”
Actress Kristy Swanson added: “My heart goes out to his entire family. Orson was the classiest, most wonderful man I have ever met.”
Bean was born Dallas Frederick Burrows on July 22, 1928.
After graduating in 1946, Bean was drafted into the postwar Army and served with occupation forces in Japan
Although he was placed on the Hollywood blacklist for attending Communist Party meetings while dating a member, he continued to work through the 1950s and 60s
He was a frequent guest of Jack Paar and Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show and hosted his own variety show during that spell.
He died after being hit by a car in Los Angeles.
