Gary Friedkin, 'Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi' Actor, Passes Away At Age 70

Star Wars

Dec 11

Gary Friedkin has died. He was 70 years old, and he died due to complications from COVID-19. Friedkin was born on November 23, 1952, in Youngstown, Ohio in a family with four kids. In high school, he played piano and percussion in various bands before attending the Dana School of Music at Youngstown University. After college, Friedkin moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Friedkin’s first role was in the 1981 film, Under the Rainbow, playing Wedgie alongside Carrie Fisher. One of the movies that he is best known for came out a year later in 1982, Young Doctors in Love. The film, a spoof of soap operas, was directed by Garry Marshall. Friedkin played Dr. Milton Chamberlain. Also in 1982, he appeared in three episodes of the Garry Marshall produced Happy Days as Clarence, the cook at Arnold’s diner. Clarence was a running joke in the series, often talked about but never seen until Friedkin’s appearance. Friedkin’s final movie performance was also in a Garry Marshall film, 2016’s Mother’s Day. In it, he played a character named Shorty.

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Aside from Garry Marshall's projects, Friedkin appeared in 1982’s Blade Runner as part of a biker gang that fought with Harrison Ford. After that, he solidified his science fiction credentials in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. In the film, he played an Ewok that helped the rebels defeat the Empire. Other notable roles include Snow White, Cool World, The Practice, and Chicago Hope.

At four feet tall, Friedkin was long active with the organization Little People of America. He is survived by his brother, his sister-in-law, two nephews, and one niece. His family has set up a scholarship in his name at his alma mater. Anyone interested can make donations to the Gary Friedkin Scholarship; YSU Foundation; 655 Wick Ave.; Youngstown, OH 44502.

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