Tony Randall

The man famous for his role as Felix Unger has passed away at age 84. When I think of Tony Randall I think of three things:

1. His spot on role as Felix Unger in The Odd Couple. The 1970 TV show was based upon the movie of the same name (which was based upon the play The Apartment)

2. His command of the English language (he made Dick Cavett look like Joey from Friends)

3. His propensity for getting much younger wives pregnant. I half expect to see his obituary read "He leaves his pregnant wife XXX aged 24...."

Randall is also celebrated in some circles for his portrayal of Sidney Shore in Love, Sidney. This character was one of the first positive gay people in a major role on network TV. Billy Crystal's Jodie Dallas on SOAP was the first major gay character on TV I think (unless you want to count Mr. French from A Family Affair - what was the deal with him?).

Randall is described as an "expert ranconteur" (expert storyteller). Ranconteur is a word we don't see enough of or a skill that to see in wide supply today. Now we have one less.

RIP