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Lawrence Samuel Storch (January 8, 1923 – July 8, 2022)[1] was an American actor and comedian known for his comic television roles, including voice-over work for cartoon shows such as Mr. Whoopee on Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales and his live-action role of the bumbling Corporal Randolph Agarn on F Troop that won a nomination for Emmy Award in 1967.

Key Information

Early life

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Lawrence Samuel Storch was born in New York City on January 8, 1923, the son of Alfred Storch, a cabdriver and broker, and his wife, Sally Kupperman Storch, a telephone operator, jewelry-store owner and rooming-house operator. The Washington Post reported that he was born in the Bronx,[2] whereas The New York Times reported that he was born in Manhattan[3] and The Wall Street Journal reported that he was born on the Upper West Side.[4] His parents were observant Jews.[5] He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx with Don Adams, who remained his lifelong friend. Storch said that, because of hard times in the Great Depression, he never graduated from high school, instead finding work as a comic for $12 a week, opening for bandleader Al Donahue at the band shell in Sheepshead Bay.[4]

During World War II, he served in the United States Navy, where he was shipmates with Tony Curtis on the submarine tender USS Proteus (AS-19).[6]

Career

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Performing

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Storch was originally a comic. It led to guest appearances on dozens of television series: Mannix; Car 54, Where Are You?; Hennesey; Get Smart; Sergeant Bilko; Columbo; CHiPs; Fantasy Island; McCloud; Emergency!; The Flying Nun; Alias Smith and Jones; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; That Girl; I Dream of Jeannie; Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.; Gilligan's Island; The Doris Day Show; The Persuaders; Love, American Style; All in the Family; Kolchak: The Night Stalker and Married... with Children.

Storch, top right, with F Troop cast (1965)

His most famous role[according to whom?] was from 1965 to 1967 as the scheming Corporal Randolph Agarn on the situation comedy F Troop, with Forrest Tucker, Ken Berry and Melody Patterson, for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1967.[3] Other memorable performances from the 1960s were Texas Jack in the barroom brawl scene of The Great Race and the eponymous character in the Groovy Guru episode of Get Smart.

In 1975, Storch co-starred with Bob Burns (who wore a gorilla costume) and Forrest Tucker on the short-lived but popular Saturday morning children's show The Ghost Busters. He also appeared on The Love Boat, S1 E15 & S2 E9 (1978); was Al Bundy's childhood hero on Married... with Children (Al Bundy's daughter Kelly attended an acting school operated by Larry); and was a semi-regular on Car 54, Where Are You?. He co-starred on the short-lived series The Queen and I.

Variety show appearances

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Storch appeared on many variety shows, including Sonny and Cher, Laugh-In, Hollywood Squares, Playboy After Dark, and The Hollywood Palace, with several appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Steve Allen Show. Jackie Gleason asked Storch to fill in for him in the summer of 1953 while Gleason was on hiatus. It led to the 10-episode The Larry Storch Show with guest stars including Janet Blair, Risë Stevens, Dick Haymes, and Cab Calloway.

As an impressionist and voiceover actor

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An impressionist, Storch recreated hundreds of voices and dialects ranging from Muhammad Ali to Claude Rains and voiced characters in many television and film animations, including The Pink Panther Show, Groovie Goolies, The Inspector, The Brady Kids, Cool Cat, Koko the Clown, Treasure Island, and Tennessee Tuxedo.

Storch worked with Mel Blanc and June Foray at Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, voicing characters such as Merlin the Magic Mouse and Cool Cat. He continued his association with Filmation as a voiceover actor in other series and films the company produced, including Journey Back to Oz (1972) where he voiced Amos, farmhand to Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.

Film appearances

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Storch appeared in more than 25 Hollywood films, including Gun Fever (1958), Who Was That Lady? (1960), 40 Pounds of Trouble (1962), Captain Newman, M.D. (1963), Wild and Wonderful (1964), Sex and the Single Girl (1964), and The Great Race (1965). He also appeared in Bus Riley's Back in Town (1965), A Very Special Favor (1965), That Funny Feeling, (1965), The Great Bank Robbery (1969), Airport 1975 (1974), The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington (1977), Record City (1978), S.O.B (1981), Fake-Out (1982), Sweet Sixteen (1983), and A Fine Mess (1986), as well as the cult sci-fi films The Monitors (1969) and Without Warning (1980). Tony Curtis and Storch reunited for a 2003 run of the musical version of Some Like It Hot. In 2005, he worked with Anthony Michael Hall in Funny Valentine and appeared in the documentary feature The Aristocrats.

Stage work

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After success in television and films, Storch returned to the New York stage, having first performed on the Broadway stage in the 1950s.[7] He received rave reviews for the Off-Broadway production of Breaking Legs. Co-starring Philip Bosco and Vincent Gardenia, the show extended several times before going on the road. Storch appeared in the Broadway productions of Porgy and Bess (which Storch considered his favorite), Arsenic and Old Lace with Jean Stapleton, Marion Ross, and Jonathan Frid, and Annie Get Your Gun with Reba McEntire. He toured the United States and Europe with Porgy and Bess.

In 2004, he was in Sly Fox with Richard Dreyfuss and his old friend Irwin Corey. Larry, then 81 and "Professor" Corey, 90, did eight shows a week. In March 2008, Storch celebrated his 50th anniversary performing on Broadway. His first Broadway appearance had been Who Was That Lady I Saw You With, later made into a 1960 film starring Dean Martin and Tony Curtis, with Storch appearing.

Storch and Dark Shadows star Marie Wallace appeared in Love Letters by A. R. Gurney on June 24, 2012, a benefit performance for the Actor's Temple in New York City.[8]

In the summer of 2012, Storch appeared in a benefit performance of Love Letters with actress Diana Sowle (best known for her role as Mrs. Bucket in the original Willy Wonka film) in Farmville, Virginia to benefit The Tom Mix Rangers.[citation needed]

Comedy LPs

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Storch recorded a comedy LP, Larry Storch at The Bon Soir, released by Jubilee Records in the 1960s. His other records include Larry Storch Reads Philip Roth's Epstein and singles such as "Pooped" b/w "The Eighth Wonder Of The World" and a spoken-word cover of Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'".

A month before he died, Storch recorded the blues song Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee with Mike Clark and his trio. The song was posthumously released soon after Storch’s passing.

Personal life

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Storch married actress Norma Catherine Greve on July 10, 1961. They remained married until her death at age 81 on August 28, 2003. Both briefly appeared in the made-for-television movie The Woman Hunter (1972). He had three children: a stepson, Lary May; a daughter, Candace Herman, the result of a brief encounter with his future wife, born in 1947 and placed for adoption (and later reunited); and a stepdaughter, June Cross, born in 1954 to Norma and Jimmy Cross ("Stump" of the song-and-dance team Stump and Stumpy).[9][10]

Storch's younger brother, Jay (1924–1987), was an actor/voiceover performer under the name Jay Lawrence.

Death

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Larry Storch died at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on July 8, 2022, at age 99. The Associated Press reported that he died from natural causes.[11] The Washington Post reported that he died from complications of Alzheimer's disease.[2][12]

Honors and tributes

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Storch in 2011

Storch was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 1967 for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series for F Troop. Storch lost to childhood friend Don Adams that year. Storch said he later remarked to Adams, “You kept it on the block.”

An episode of Animaniacs titled "The Sound of Warners" features a banner that says "Larry Storch Days / Nov 13 & 14".

In Fort Lee, New Jersey, Mayor Mark Sokolich named Storch as honorary Mayor for a Day on June 1, 2014. Storch had previously been honored by the local film commission for performing at the Riviera nightclub, which had closed 60 years earlier.[13] He received the 2013 Barrymore Award for Lifetime Achievement in Film and TV from the Fort Lee Film Commission.

A Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to Storch in 2014.[14]

Storch was named an honorary citizen of Passaic, New Jersey, on September 13, 2016. He also received a Navy Distinguished Service Medal to recognise his World War II service.[15]

On January 14, 2019, The Lambs honored Storch with their Shepherd's Award.

Wild West City, an amusement park in New Jersey, renamed one of its storefronts “Larry Storch’s Silver Dollar Saloon” in his honor.[16]

Storch was named an Honorary Friar in early 2019 at a ceremony with Dick Cavett at the New York Friars Club.

On his 97th birthday, Storch was presented with a Proclamation from the State of New York.

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1951 The Prince Who Was a Thief
1958 Gun Fever Amigo
1959 The Last Blitzkrieg Ennis
1960 Who Was That Lady? Orenov
1962 40 Pounds of Trouble Floyd
1963 The Alfred Hitchcock Hour Oscar Blenny Season 1 Episode 26: "An Out for Oscar"
1963 Captain Newman, M.D. Corporal Gavoni
1964 Wild and Wonderful Rufus Gibbs
1964 Sex and the Single Girl Motorcycle Cop
1965 Bus Riley's Back in Town Howie
1965 Pink Panther Narrator / Talking Weight Machine / Man Two shorts
1965 The Great Race Texas Jack
1965 A Very Special Favor Harry the Taxi Driver
1965 That Funny Feeling Luther
1965-1966 The Inspector The Commissioner / Surgeon Two shorts
1967 I Dream of Jeannie Sam S3E1 Fly Me to the Moon
1968 Mannix: Another Final Exit Bernie Farmer
1968 That Girl John McKenzie
1968 Gomer Pyle, USMC Manuel Cortez
1969 Get Smart “The Groovy Guru” Groovy Guru
1969 The Great Bank Robbery Juan
1969 The Monitors P.A. Stutz
1969-1970 The Pink Panther Show The Commissioner / Surgeon / Narrator / Talking Weight Machine / Man 10-12 episodes
1970 Hard Frame Rudy LeRoy TV movie
1971 The Persuaders Angie S1E10 Angie...Angie
1971 Aesop's Fables Hare, Rooster and Old Tortoise Voice, TV movie
1972 Journey Back to Oz Amos Voice
1972 The Woman Hunter Raconteur
1973 Emergency! Ben Wesley and Jake the Escape Artist S2E6 Saddled & S3E14 Computer Error
1973 Treasure Island Captain Smollett Voice
1973 All In The Family Bill Mulheron S3E16 Oh Say Can You See
1974 Oliver Twist Magistrate Fang Voice
1974 Columbo Mr. Weekly Negative Reaction
1974 Airport 1975 Glenn Purcell
1977 The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington Robby Boggs
1978 Record City Deaf Man
1980 Without Warning Scoutmaster
1981 S.O.B. The Guru
1981 Peter-No-Tail Max Voice, English version
1982 Fake-Out Ted
1982 The Flight of Dragons Pawnbroker Voice
1983 Sweet Sixteen Earl
1986 The Perils of P.K.
1986 A Fine Mess Leopold Klop
1987 Medium Rare
1992 I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore Giora
1994 The Silence of the Hams Sergeant
1995 Married... with Children Himself Episode: Something Larry This Way Comes (S9, E21)
2005 Funny Valentine Dennis
2005 Bittersweet Place Ira Tatz
2005 The Aristocrats Himself Final Role

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Larry Storch

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Lawrence Samuel Storch (January 8, 1923 – July 8, 2022) was an American actor, comedian, and voice-over artist renowned for his versatile performances in television, film, and animation, particularly his iconic portrayal of the scheming Corporal Randolph Agarn on the Western sitcom F Troop (1965–1967). Born in New York City to Alfred Storch, a real estate broker and cabdriver, and Sally Kupperman Storch, he grew up in a Jewish family and attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where he honed his talent for impressions alongside future stars like Don Adams. Storch's career spanned over seven decades, beginning as a teenage impressionist in houses and circuits in the , where his rubber-faced and of celebrities like earned him early acclaim. His service in the U.S. from 1942 to 1946 aboard the USS not only connected him with lifelong friend but also provided material for his post-war routines, boosting his entry into entertainment. Transitioning to television in the , he became a prolific guest star on series including , , and , while his Emmy-nominated role on —opposite and —cemented his status as a comedic mainstay of TV. In addition to live-action work, Storch excelled in voice acting, lending his distinctive, zany delivery to animated characters such as Mr. Whoopee on Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales (1963–1966), Colonel Rimfire in the Cool Cat Looney Tunes shorts (1967–1969), and the Joker in The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972). His film credits included supporting roles in comedies like Sex and the Single Girl (1964) and The Great Race (1965), and he continued performing into the 2010s with appearances on shows like Regular Show. Storch passed away from natural causes at his home in New York City at age 99. He was predeceased by his wife, Norma Greve, to whom he had been married since 1961 and with whom he raised three daughters.

Early life and education

Family background

Lawrence Samuel Storch was born on January 8, 1923, in to a Jewish family. His father, Alfred Storch, worked variously as a cab driver and real estate broker. His mother, Sally Kupperman Storch, was employed as a telephone operator who later owned a jewelry store. He had a younger brother, Jay Lawrence. The family resided in working-class neighborhoods, reflecting the modest circumstances of Storch's early upbringing in , , and .

Childhood and schooling

Storch spent much of his early childhood in borough of , amid the economic hardships of the . He later moved with his family to neighborhoods in and , experiencing the challenges of urban life in a working-class household during that era. From a young age, Storch displayed a natural flair for humor and , often entertaining family and friends with impressions that foreshadowed his future career in . Storch attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, a public school known for its diverse student body and notable alumni. There, he earned a reputation as the class clown, honing his comedic skills through playful antics and vocal impressions of celebrities and authority figures. It was during his time at the school that he formed a lifelong friendship with classmate Don Adams, who would later become a fellow comedian and actor best known for Get Smart. Financial difficulties forced Storch to leave before graduating, as the family struggled to make ends meet in the depths of the Depression. Instead of completing his formal , he began performing as a stand-up comic in local venues, earning modest wages that helped support his household while allowing him to develop his talent professionally. This early entry into marked the end of his traditional schooling and the start of a self-taught path in .

Military service

Enlistment and World War II experiences

Storch enlisted in the United States Reserve in early 1943, shortly after turning 20, and served until November 1945 as a Musician Second Class (MUS2). His decision to join was influenced by the . Assigned to the submarine tender in the Pacific Theater, as well as USS Litchfield (DD-336/AG-95) and the staff of Commander Submarine Forces Pacific at Submarine Base, , Storch supported submarine operations by helping maintain and repair vessels, contributing to the fleet's logistical efforts against Japanese forces. He received the , Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and . Aboard the Proteus, Storch served alongside future actor (born Bernie Schwartz), with whom he formed a lifelong friendship; the two often shared stories of their wartime experiences in later interviews. As a , Storch performed with the ship's band, known as the Tune Toppers, entertaining crew members during deployments and providing morale-boosting performances at ports across the Pacific. The Proteus operated primarily out of bases like and advanced into forward areas, supporting submarine patrols that were critical to Allied victories in the region. One of Storch's most memorable experiences occurred on September 2, 1945, when the Proteus was anchored in Tokyo Bay; from the ship's signal bridge, he witnessed the formal Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the nearby USS Missouri (BB-63), an event that marked the end of World War II. Storch later reflected that his Navy service, including the camaraderie and discipline he encountered, significantly built his confidence and honed his performance skills, paving the way for his postwar entry into entertainment.

Postwar transition to entertainment

Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy in November 1945 after serving as a Musician Second Class during , Larry Storch began his professional transition into entertainment by leveraging his natural talent for and impressions developed during his military years. A serendipitous meeting with comedian in , opened the door to his first paid gig as an opening act at nightclub in , where he made his debut professional appearance. At , Storch performed stand-up routines featuring celebrity impressions, a style he had honed informally while entertaining fellow sailors aboard the submarine tender USS . This engagement marked the start of his career on the circuit, where he quickly gained traction through appearances at prominent venues across the . His early work emphasized and , laying the groundwork for broader opportunities in television and stage performance by the early 1950s.

Career

Vaudeville and early performances

Larry Storch began his performing career as a teenager during the , dropping out of high school to pursue opportunities in New York City's entertainment scene. He earned modest fees, around a few dollars per gig, by delivering impressions in local clubs and houses, where his natural talent for mimicry quickly gained notice. As a in acts, Storch supported comedians while showcasing his versatile impressions of celebrities and dialects, laying the foundation for his comedic style. In the late and early , before enlisting in the , Storch honed his skills on the circuit, performing stand-up routines that emphasized and vocal impressions in small theaters across the city. His early work reflected the era's influences, blending rapid-fire jokes with character voices that captivated audiences in intimate venues. Following , Storch resumed his career in the late , transitioning to circuits where he expanded his impressionist repertoire, often emulating figures like and drawing crowds with his energetic delivery. These performances in mob-influenced clubs solidified his reputation as a comic, bridging his roots to broader entertainment opportunities.

Television and variety shows

Larry Storch began his television career in the early 1950s with his own short-lived variety series, The Larry Storch Show, which aired live on CBS for 10 episodes from July to September 1953, featuring comedy sketches and musical performances. He gained prominence in the mid-1960s as Corporal Randolph Agarn on the Western comedy series F Troop, which ran on ABC from 1965 to 1967 and showcased his talents for physical comedy and character impersonations alongside co-stars Forrest Tucker and Ken Berry. Following this breakthrough, Storch starred in The Queen and I (1969), a CBS sitcom where he played a scheming cruise ship officer opposite Carl Ballantine and Billy DeWolfe, though the series lasted only one season. He also led the children's adventure series The Ghost Busters (1973–1974) on CBS, portraying the bumbling detective Spencer, which blended live-action with supernatural elements and inspired later films. Throughout his career, Storch made frequent guest appearances on popular variety and comedy programs, leveraging his impressionist skills on shows like , , , , and . He was a recurring guest on Starring , where his rapid-fire impressions of celebrities and historical figures became a highlight. Storch also appeared in numerous sitcom episodes, including roles on Car 54, Where Are You? (1961–1963), (1965–1970), (1965–1970), (1964–1967), (1967–1970), (1966–1971), (1968–1973), (1969–1974), and (1977–1986), often portraying eccentric or comedic supporting characters. His television work extended into the 1980s and beyond with spots on (1981–1986), (1982–1986), and (1987–1997), maintaining his status as a versatile comedic performer.

Impressionist and voiceover work

Storch began his career as a stand-up and impressionist in the 1940s, performing in houses and nightclubs where his talent for mimicking celebrities and dialects quickly gained attention. His impressions, often featuring figures like and , were a staple of his nightclub routines and appearances on variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Andy Williams Show, where he showcased versatile vocal characterizations that blended humor with precision. This skill set proved instrumental in transitioning to , allowing him to embody a wide range of animated characters with distinctive voices and accents. In the , Storch's impressionist abilities found a natural outlet in , where he contributed to numerous series produced by studios like and DePatie-Freleng Enterprises. One of his most iconic roles was as the erudite J. Whoopee (also known as Professor Whoopee) on (1963–1966), a series where he voiced the clever mentor to the bumbling penguin protagonist, delivering educational segments with a pompous, know-it-all flair. He also provided voices for (1969–1970), including characters in segments like , and lent his talents to (1970–1971) as the vampire Drac, adding a comedic, dialect-heavy edge to the monster-themed antics. Storch's voiceover career spanned four decades, encompassing over 50 animated projects and demonstrating his range from sly villains to quirky sidekicks. Notable examples include Colonel Rimfire and Cool Cat in shorts (1967–1969), where his impressionist style brought manic energy to the feline anti-hero and his nemesis; additional roles in (1972–1973) and (1968–1969), voicing the Joker with a gleeful, anarchic tone; and guest spots in productions like The Great Grape Ape (1975–1976). His work often emphasized conceptual humor through vocal exaggeration, influencing generations of animated comedy without relying on exhaustive listings of every credit.

Film roles

Larry Storch's film career, spanning from the early 1950s to the mid-2000s, featured over two dozen appearances, predominantly in supporting comedic roles that leveraged his talents as an impressionist and . Though best remembered for television work, Storch transitioned from and variety shows to cinema, often playing eccentric or humorous sidekicks in comedies and occasional dramas. His early roles established him in Hollywood, with a focus on lighthearted ensemble casts during the boom in and adventure films. Storch debuted on screen with an uncredited role in the adventure film The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951). He followed with minor parts in war films like The Last Blitzkrieg (1959) before breaking into mainstream with Who Was That Lady? (1960), where he played the bumbling Russian agent Orenov opposite and in George Sidney's about mistaken identities and . The marked his most active film period, including 40 Pounds of Trouble (1962), a of Little Miss Marker in which Storch supported as a manager amid chaotic custody antics. In Captain Newman, M.D. (1963), he provided comic relief as Corporal Shea in David Miller's adaptation of Max Marsh's novel, set in a WWII psychiatric ward with in the lead. Storch's role as a cop in Richard Quine's Sex and the Single Girl (1964) added slapstick to the romantic starring and , while his standout performance as the mustache-twirling outlaw Texas Jack in ' epic The Great Race (1965) showcased his physical in a star-studded race across continents with and . In the 1970s and 1980s, Storch gravitated toward ensemble casts in disaster and sex comedies, reflecting the era's genre trends. He appeared as the hapless Katz in the mid-air hijacking thriller Airport 1975 (1974), contributing to the film's chaotic ensemble alongside Charlton Heston and Karen Black. Storch took a leading comedic turn as The General in The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington (1977), a satirical sex comedy based on Xaviera Hollander's memoirs, and played the villainous Dr. Jim in Blake Edwards' Hollywood satire S.O.B. (1981) with Julie Andrews and Richard Mulligan. Later roles included the voice of the Pawnbroker in the animated fantasy The Flight of Dragons (1982), Ted in the action-comedy Fake Out (1982), and the hapless Earl in the teen drama Sweet Sixteen (1983). In the 1990s, he featured in independent films like I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore (1991) as an uncle offering wry advice and the zany Agent Brickman in the horror parody The Silence of the Hams (1994). Storch's later film work tapered off but included poignant supporting turns, such as in the romantic drama Funny Valentine (2006), where he played a wise elder reflecting on love and loss. He also contributed to the documentary The Aristocrats (2005), delivering his rendition of the infamous dirty joke alongside comedians like Robin Williams, highlighting his improvisational roots. These roles underscored Storch's versatility, blending humor with heartfelt moments even as his career emphasized television.

Stage appearances

Larry Storch began his stage career in the mid-1950s, transitioning from and into legitimate theater roles that showcased his comedic timing and character work. His early Broadway appearances included The Littlest Revue (1956), a sketch musical . These roles marked his entry into scripted stage productions, building on his improvisational skills. Storch's Broadway debut came in 1958 with Norman Krasna's comedy Who Was That Lady I Saw You With?, in which he originated the role of Orlov, a Soviet agent, alongside and ; the production ran for 271 performances at the Theatre. After a period focused on television, he returned to the stage in the 1980s with more prominent dramatic and comedic turns. In 1983, he played the Detective in the short-lived Broadway revival of Porgy and Bess at the Uris Theatre, a role he later described as one of his favorites for its intensity. In 1986, Storch joined the 50th-anniversary Broadway revival of Arsenic and Old Lace as Dr. Einstein, replacing Tony Roberts in the Joseph Kesselring classic opposite Jean Stapleton and Marion Ross; the production enjoyed a successful run of 221 performances at the 46th Street Theatre. Later revivals highlighted his affinity for character roles in musicals. He portrayed Chief Sitting Bull in the 1999 Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun starring Bernadette Peters, contributing to its 1,045-performance run at the Marquis Theatre, and reprised the part on the 2000–2001 national tour. In 2004, Storch appeared as a replacement in the Broadway revival of Larry Gelbart's Sly Fox at the Royale Theatre, playing the Chief of Police. Off-Broadway, he took on roles such as in the 1991 comedy Breaking Legs at the Promenade Theatre, opposite Maury Yeston and Philip Bosco. His stage work often blended humor with pathos, earning praise for versatility across revivals and tours, though he balanced it with his more prominent television commitments.

Comedy recordings

Larry Storch ventured into comedy recordings during the late and early , leveraging his skills as a stand-up and impressionist to produce novelty singles and live performance albums that showcased his versatile vocal characterizations and humorous monologues. His early efforts were primarily 45 RPM singles on labels like and , often featuring exaggerated personas and satirical takes on popular tunes, reflecting the era's novelty record trend. These releases captured Storch's nightclub-style humor, blending impressions with lighthearted wordplay to appeal to audiences familiar with his live acts. One of his notable early singles was the 1957 Roulette "Goody " b/w "Around the World," where Storch performed as the brassy character "Shirley from ," delivering a comedic, dialect-heavy rendition that parodied showbiz glamour and tropes. Another Roulette single from the same year, "I'm Walkin'" b/w "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," featured Storch's playful spoken-word interpretations of standards, emphasizing his timing and vocal flair for comedic effect. On , he issued "Pooped" b/w "The " in 1957, a novelty track poking fun at exhaustion and exaggeration, which highlighted his ability to turn everyday frustrations into laugh-out-loud sketches. Storch's full-length comedy album debut came in 1961 with Larry Storch at the Bon Soir on Jubilee Records, a live recording from his performances at the renowned nightclub. The mono LP featured a series of short, character-driven sketches, including "An In-Fidel in ," a satirical take on ; "The Lost Child," a frantic parental mishap; and "The Mafia in the Attic," blending ethnic humor with absurd scenarios. Clocking in at around 20 minutes, the album preserved Storch's improvisational energy and impressions of celebrities like and George Jessel, earning praise for its raw, unpolished charm akin to his roots. In 1962, Storch released Larry Storch Reads Philip Roth's on Prestige's Lively Arts imprint (later reissued in 1969 on mainline Prestige), where he narrated Roth's 1959 short story with a yet animated delivery that amplified its ironic humor about Jewish-American life and midlife absurdities. Recorded at , the spoken-word LP divided the narrative into parts, allowing Storch's comedic pauses and inflections to enhance the tale's wry observations without additional music or effects. This project bridged Storch's performance background with , showcasing his range beyond pure stand-up. These recordings, though not chart-toppers, solidified Storch's reputation in audio comedy during a time when comedians like and were popularizing the format, and they provided a phonetic snapshot of his improvisational talents that later informed his television voice work.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Storch married actress Norma Catherine Greve on July 10, 1961, in a union that lasted until her death from cancer on August 28, 2003, at the age of 81. The couple, both performers, occasionally appeared together in projects, including brief roles in the 1972 TV movie The Woman Hunter. Norma brought a daughter, June Cross, into the marriage; born in 1954 from Norma's earlier affair with Black entertainer Jimmy Cross, June faced racial prejudice that led her mother to send her to live with her grandmother in at age four. Storch and Norma raised June as their own, presenting her to the public as an adopted child for nearly 35 years to conceal her biological father's identity amid societal . This family secret became the subject of June Cross's 1996 PBS documentary Secret Daughter, which explored the trauma of her hidden heritage and eventual reunion with her mother. Norma also had a son, Lary May, from an earlier relationship, born when she was 18; Storch helped raise him as a stepson. The couple also parented Candace Herman, Storch's biological daughter from a brief pre-marital romance with Norma in 1947; born in 1948, Candace was placed for shortly after birth but later reconnected with her parents. Storch and Norma resided primarily in , where they built a stable family life amid his acting career, with the children growing up in the shadow of his rising fame in television and film.

Interests and residences

During the height of his television career in the 1960s and 1970s, Storch resided in the , owning a custom-designed home in Nichols Canyon that featured a rustic, Ponderosa-style layout with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, fireplaces, a steam room, , and . He sold the property in 1997 for $730,000. In the 1990s, Storch relocated permanently to , where he lived in an apartment on the until his death in 2022. A lifelong , Storch maintained a passion for playing the , which he practiced regularly and performed publicly in well into his later years. Even in his 90s, Storch continued to enjoy impersonating celebrities from and screen, a skill that originated from his early days and remained a personal diversion.

Death and legacy

Final years and passing

In his later years, Larry Storch remained active in public life, making personal appearances and engaging with fans despite advancing age. He continued to perform into his 90s, with his final Los Angeles show at on the in September 2014, at age 91. A lifelong saxophonist, Storch often played in New York City's , a he maintained well into his later decades. Storch's last public appearance occurred on July 11, 2021, at Wild West City theme park in , where he was honored at age 98 with tributes including staged gunfights and stagecoach rides, reflecting his enduring connection to Western-themed roles like Corporal Agarn from . He stayed engaged with audiences through until shortly before his death, sharing updates and memories from his career. Storch passed away on July 8, 2022, at the age of 99 in his New York City apartment, dying peacefully in his sleep from natural causes. His manager, Matt Beckoff, confirmed the news, noting the actor's long and vibrant career in comedy and entertainment.

Honors and tributes

Throughout his career, Larry Storch received several notable honors recognizing his contributions to television, film, and comedy. In 1967, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Corporal Randolph Agarn on F Troop. In 2013, the Fort Lee Film Commission presented Storch with the Barrymore Award for Lifetime Achievement in Film and TV, honoring his extensive work in stage, screen, and television. The following year, on September 15, 2014, he was awarded a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in California, celebrating his comedic legacy. In 2014, Storch was also named honorary Mayor for a Day in Fort Lee, New Jersey, acknowledging his ties to the area's film history. Storch's milestones were marked by various tributes during his lifetime. His 95th birthday on January 8, 2018, was celebrated with a special event at the Triad Theater in , featuring performances and tributes from fellow entertainers. On January 14, 2019, Club honored him with their Shepherd's Award for his enduring impact on the . In July 2021, Wild West City in —where Storch had made annual appearances—hosted his final public event, including a tribute with Civil War reenactors forming an honor guard and official resolutions from local and state officials; the park renamed a storefront "Larry Storch's Silver Bullet Saloon" in his honor. Following Storch's death on July 8, 2022, at age 99, he was remembered widely in the entertainment community. His family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the love shown to "our beloved Larry," noting he passed peacefully in his sleep. Colleagues, including Today show host Al Roker, paid public tributes, with Roker sharing his sadness over the loss of the comedic icon. Storch was featured in the In Memoriam segment at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 12, 2022, alongside other departed luminaries, accompanied by a performance from John Legend.

Filmography

Television credits

Storch began his television career with guest spots on variety and comedy series in the early 1950s, including hosting Cavalcade of Stars in 1952 and his own short-lived variety program, The Larry Storch Show, in 1953. His breakthrough came in episodic television during the late 1950s and early 1960s, with appearances on military-themed comedies such as The Phil Silvers Show (1955–1959), where he played various soldiers, and Car 54, Where Are You? (1961–1963) as the recurring character Charlie, a drunk, in several episodes. Storch's most famous television role was as the scheming yet incompetent Corporal Randolph Agarn on the Western sitcom (1965–1967), opposite as Sgt. O'Rourke; the series depicted the misadventures of a U.S. Cavalry outpost in the post-Civil War West and earned Storch an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1966. Following this success, he secured recurring roles, including multiple appearances as Bill Daly on (1966–1968) and as Myron on (1977–1978). In the 1970s, Storch starred as Spencer, the bumbling ghost warden, in the children's adventure series (1975–1976), a live-action show featuring ghost-hunting escapades with co-stars and . He frequently guest-starred on popular sitcoms and dramas throughout the decade and into the 1980s, such as Jackson Farrell, a bank robber posing as a doctor, in ("Little Island, Big Gun," 1965), Sam, a chimpanzee transformed into a , in ("," 1967), and guest spots on (1967–1970), (1969–1974), ("Negative Reaction," 1974), and (1977–1986). Storch's voice acting contributions were significant in animated programming, particularly as the pompous ringmaster Mr. Whoopee on (1963–1966), a featuring educational segments hosted by the character. Later in his career, he continued making guest appearances on action and comedy series, including (1981–1986), (1982–1986), (1977–1984), (1987–1997), and (1965–ongoing), with his final credited television role in a 1996 episode of the soap opera as the Older French Man.

Film credits

Storch made his film debut in an uncredited role in the adventure film The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951), directed by , marking the beginning of his sporadic but diverse big-screen appearances. Over the next five decades, he amassed credits in more than 25 feature films, frequently cast in humorous supporting parts that highlighted his vaudeville-honed and character work. His early roles often placed him in Westerns and comedies, transitioning to ensemble casts in disaster films and satires during the and , with occasional returns in independent productions later in his career. While not a leading man, Storch's film contributions complemented his television fame, appearing alongside stars like , , and in projects that ranged from lighthearted romps to more irreverent fare. Notable examples include his portrayal of Texas Jack in the epic comedy (1965) and Glenn Purcell in the blockbuster (1974). His final film role came in the independent drama Funny Valentine (2005), where he played the character Dennis. The following table lists selected film credits, focusing on representative works across his career phases:
YearTitleRole
1951The Prince Who Was a Thief(uncredited)
1958Gun FeverAmigo
1960Who Was That Lady?Orenov
1962Floyd
1963Captain Newman, M.D.Cpl. Gavoni
1964Buck Hobart
1964Wild and Wonderful[unspecified supporting role]
1965Texas Jack
1974Glenn Purcell
1977 Goes to WashingtonRobby Boggs
1977Record CityDeaf Man
1980Without WarningScoutmaster
1981S.O.B.The
1982Fake-OutTed
1983Sweet 16Earl
1986A Fine MessLeopold Klop
1986The Perils of P.K.[unspecified supporting role]
1989Medium Rare[unspecified role]
1992I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore[unspecified role]
1994Sergeant
2005Bittersweet Place[unspecified role]
2005Funny ValentineDennis

Voice acting credits

Storch began his career in the mid-1960s, leveraging his comedic timing and versatile to portray a wide array of animated characters, from scheming villains to eccentric sidekicks. His work spanned television series, theatrical shorts, and films, often collaborating with studios like , Warner Bros., and . Notable for being the first actor to voice the Joker in , Storch's contributions helped define the sound of classic Saturday morning cartoons during their golden era.

Notable Voice Acting Credits

The following table highlights select voice roles from Storch's extensive filmography, focusing on major characters and productions:
YearTitleRoleNotes
1963–1966Professor Whoopee (voice)Recurring role as the bumbling inventor in the educational comedy series.
1967Cool Cat (Looney Tunes short)Colonel Rimfire (voice)Antagonistic hunter pursuing the feline protagonist.
1968–1969Joker (voice)Debut animated portrayal of the iconic Batman villain across 20 episodes.
19683 Ring Wing-Ding (Looney Tunes short)Additional voicesSupporting circus-themed characters.
1969–1970The Commissioner (voice)Recurring authority figure in the Pink Panther spin-off series.
1970Drac, Batso, Ratso (voice)Lead monster voices in the Filmation horror-comedy series; also appeared in spin-offs.
1972Joker (voice)Guest villain in crossover episode "The Caped Crusader Caper".
1972Scooby-Doo Meets BatmanJoker (voice)Theatrical feature reprising the role alongside live-action segments.
1974 the Witch (voice)Malicious sorceress in the animated sequel to the 1939 classic.
1975 and Meet the Drac, The Phantom (voice)Crossover special featuring Looney Tunes and Filmation characters.
1979Father Winter, additional voicesSupporting roles in the Rankin/Bass holiday special.
1982Pawnbroker (voice)Minor role in the fantasy animated film.
1987Additional voicesGuest contributions to the Hanna-Barbera series.
1988–1994Additional voicesOccasional uncredited performances across multiple episodes.
Storch's voice work extended to other characters, including , Marlin the Minah Bird, and various one-off roles in shorts from the late , often under the direction of voice legend . His performances emphasized humor and exaggeration, aligning with the style of the era's , and he continued providing occasional voices into the , though his later credits were predominantly additional or uncredited.

References

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