Actor Allan Melvin Dead of Cancer at Age 84
Allan Melvin, best know as Sam the Butcher on “The Brady Bunch†sitcom and Archie Bunker’s friend Barney on “All in the Family†passed away last week at the age of 84. Melvin was said to have had cancer.
Allan played a number of loveable characters during his career on both television and stage. His favorite role was that of Cpl. Henshaw, Sergeant Bilko’s right hand man on the “Phil Silvers Show.â€
“He was proudest of that show,” his wife of 64 years, Amalia Melvin said. “I think the camaraderie of all those guys made it such a pleasant way to work. They were so relaxed.”
Allan Melvin was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Columbia University and appeared on Broadway in “Stalag 17†before starting his role as Henshaw. He is survived by his wife, daughter Jennifer and a grandson Jon.