Mel Winkler, the American actor who rose to fame after acting in the likes of ‘Doc Hollywood’ and ‘Devil In A Blue Dress,’ died on Thursday at the age of 78.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the ‘Coach Carter’ star died in his sleep at his house in Hollywood according to the actor’s family.
“[He was] a consummate professional always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom on any given subject,” the Winkler family spokeswoman, Courtney Benson, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“His infectious smile and love for family will forever be missed. He was a giant among many.”
Mr. Winkler was born in Missouri in 1941. Before kicking off his acting career by starring in ‘The Doctors’ as Dr. Simon Harris, the Hollywood legend served in the US Army.
Throughout the decades, the actor appeared in several plays and shows whereas his first movie appearance was in a 1972 American action crime film called Across 110th Street.
Some of the actor’s most popular roles included Melvin in ‘Doc Hollywood,’ Joppy in ‘Devil In A Blue Dress,’ and Coach White in ‘Coach Carter.’
Besides his acting gigs, Winkler also offered his voice in ‘Oswald,’ ‘The New Batman Adventures,’ and the video game called ‘Crash Bandicoot.’
The actor is survived by his two children and four grandchildren.
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Replaced!