Happy birthday to actor Michael Nader. The 69-year-old appeared on a number of 1960s beach movies and guested on the Gidget TV series. He was later a regular on primetime soap Dynasty and daytime sudser All My Children.
Lee Marvin (pictured) was born on this day. Marvin starred in late 1950s cop drama M Squad, then later guested on Bonanza, Route 66, The Twilight Zone and The Untouchables. He is also well-known for his many film roles, including The Dirty Dozen and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
Also born February 19 was Dave Niehaus. He was a longtime baseball announcer for the California Angels and Seattle Mariners.
Classic TV friends passing away this day include Janet Blair, who was born here in my hometown of Altoona, PA. Altoona is located in Blair County, which is where she got her stage name. Blair was a film and TV actress who appeared on Burke’s Law, Marcus Welby M.D. and The Outer Limits. She also co-starred in the 1971 Henry Fonda comedy-drama series The Smith Family.
Others passing on February 19: Madge Blake (guested on many classic shows of the 1950s and 60s, best known for her roles as Aunt Harriet on Batman and Larry Mondello’s mom on Leave It To Beaver), singer-banjo player Grandpa Jones (Hee Haw) and veteran Looney Tunes animator and voice actor Tedd Pierce.