You were the greatest! dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. He was a fine actor, very good man, and we miss him. Don Grady, who played Chip and Ernie's wholesome, heartthrob big brother Robbie on the long-running television sitcom "My Three Sons," died on Wednesday at his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Livingston said Grady had been suffering from cancer and receiving hospice care at his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif. "It's the oldest cliche in the world when TV brothers start referring to each other like biological brothers, but he was the oldest, and somebody I looked up to and learned from a great deal about life," Livingston said. Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Culver City, California, United States At the end of 1970, Grady said he would "cut the umbilical cord" and leave his role after 11 years. It was good to be a kid back then. She played the part of one of the newer, younger Mouseketeers, and I was, of course, the older, original Mouseketeer (Ginnys 13 years younger than I). Lillian Lamontm. Some day we will be together! DG: I admired Tim a lot. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. She said something to me, but I cant recall what it wasI was just basking in the kiss. Thats when I fell in love with her. Just found out you died sorry i loved you on my three sons'. confirm. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Fred MacMurray/Cnjuge. The star noted in an interview that she drank two bottles of Chardonnay and took "tons of prescription pills" every day. It worked. Later, he made a brief acting comeback in a national tour of Pippin and a string of off-Broadway musicals before realizing I wanted to make my living as a composer, he told PEOPLE. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. Don Grady, who was one of television's most beloved big brothers as Robbie Douglas on the long-running 1960s hit "My Three Sons," died Wednesday. A wonderful person, creativeand died too young. Television misses you and wish more were like you. So long Robbie and to your family I send my love for sharing Don with his great music to his countless fans. Enjoyed watching my three sons. A spokesman for his family confirmed that he died of cancer. and guides about the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! We found this out later through the casting director. Mary, a famous agent for child actors, died at 96 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. He taught me to race go-karts, and we did Kung Fu together. I was very saddened to hear about Don's passing. Lorsque vous utilisez nos sites et applications, nous utilisons des, authentifier les utilisateurs, appliquer des mesures de scurit, empcher les spams et les abus; et. His "My Three Sons" co-star Barry Livingston, who played youngest brother Ernie, confirmed Grady's death to The Associated Press. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. He was 68. There were over 500 kids auditioningit was the most kid performers Id ever seen. Don was such a wonderful actor and a beautiful soul. The actress noted that she had sought help from many doctors who misdiagnosed her, and to manage the problems, she took Xanax, Valium, and Librium. American actor, composer, musician (1944-2012), Previous information stating that Grady played a deaf-mute character in, "Don Grady obituary: 'My Three Sons' star, composer dies at 68", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Don_Grady&oldid=1130140274, Musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 December 2022, at 19:47. His father, Lou, was. Don Grady, known for playing Robbie Douglas on one of the longest running sitcoms. We got in a fight once, and a week later the writers put it into a script. Jimmie Dodd was totally kid-friendly. My parents switched me to another school. Personable. What does the insurance payment symbolize? A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. Don Grady I am glad that I had the opportunity of chatting with you two times on the face book chat. She also managed Penny Marshall, Nick Nolte, Tim Van Patten, Michael Clark Duncan, and Ellen Wheeler. Born in San Diego, California, on June 8,1944, Don Grady (born Don Agrati) grew up in Lafayette, California, and was selected in 1957 as a Mouseketeer on the third season of the original Mickey Mouse Club television show. Some say he had testicular cancer, though it is difficult to When that happened, I needed to start to learn to grow up, Grady told PEOPLE in 1992. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Still watching MTS reruns and was saddened to hear of your passing. In early years I saw you as Robbie Douglas but now you are Don Grady, the guy who motivated me and inspired me. Hate to hear he has departed from us. He was at the Cow Palace. She sent me and my dance partner, Terry Hooper, to the Cow Palace in San Francisco for the cattle call. I had two older brothers born in 1942 and 1945. Born to a sausage maker and a talent agent, Grady grew up alongside his sister Lani O'Grady, who was also a popular actress. He was at Disneyland with his wife, June, and twin daughters when a woman came up to him and said, I used to take my family to see your movies, until we saw you in The Apartment. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. I wasnt so interested in Walt; I was concentrating on my performance. The couple had two children and stayed together for 27 years until Grady's death. The episode ends with Stella and Rob heading into a nearby town with the understanding that Taggart would call upon Stella for possible courtship, even though Crawford was fifteen years Forbes' senior. Everybody loved Jimmie. Because we liked him. He liked to take a few nips (of alcohol). he was so very handsome I loved him in my three sons he was the reason I watched the show. Thanks for years of entertainment. Actor Don Grady was welcomed into the world in San Diego, California, on June 8, 1944, as Don Louis Agrati. Born Don Agrati in San Diego, California, Don Grady became a Mousekeeter, along with 23 others, when that show debuted in 1955. Don Grady was an actor, composer, and musician who died of cancer on June 8, 2018. The couple had two children, Joey and Tessa, and they remained married for 27 years, until Gradys death on June 27, 2012. He had a sister name Lanita who later earned reputation as an actress under the name Lani O'Grady. While on My Three Sons Grady also appeared in the NBC medical drama, The Eleventh Hour, and The F.B.I. The Associated Press contributed to this report. I got the gig because Sharons partner, Mouseketeer Bobby, was on a Lawrence Welk tour. Don Grady, center, with his "My Three Sons" co-stars. Also to know, what happened to the oldest son Mike on My Three Sons? You were everyone's big brother.. And you will live on in all of our memories. My God, we were only 12. I enjoyed watching you on my three sons I also watch me tv. He was 68. news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. I know your music is playing softly in heaven. He was real, and a good actor. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. There is a new angel in Heaven making music. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. My condolences for actor Don Grady and his family. He worked as a composer and songwriter in his later career and was an expert at playing the drums and the keyboard. How old is Don Grady? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. In life, Don Grady was passionate about his music and acting careers. After having no children with his first wife, he married Virginia Lewsader, a woman he met at Disneyland. In 1960, he joined My Three Sons (1960), which debuted in 1960 and ran for 12 years. Loved that show. How old was Don Grady when he died? When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. DG: My dance teacher, Pearl Kay, knew about the audition. Thanks for making my childhood tv watching memories "happy" You were the best! A musical prodigy from a young age, Grady appeared with a band, the Greefs, in the series, and in real life played drums for The Yellow Balloon, who had a minor hit with a self-titled song in 1967. He had the courage to break out, something I would do in my late 20s to pursue music. Love the way he met and dated his future wife. You're one handsome boy very talented actor rest in peace. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. (AP). The Princess Birthday Party Album will be released soon. 'My Three Sons' actor Don Grady died Wednesday, June 27, of cancer, Deadline.com confirms. Please enter valid email address to continue. He said, "I don't even know that acting is where my head is" and that "Robbie is something you do automatically like putting on your clothes. Lots of great memories from over the years. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews. You were constantly being pulled out of school [to my hearts content] to learn a new number, get a wardrobe fitting, or shoot a scene. His work on that show was appreciated because we all need good clean escapism after a long day of work or stress of any kind. Always a great presence with a calm demeanor. JK: You worked with Tim Considine on the Spin and Marty serial for the Mickey Mouse Club and also on the My Three Sons television series. Don Grady was born in 1944. what cancer did don grady died from. I flashed the room a big smile. I'm glad you are with her now, she needs her big bro. Godspeed. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You will never be forgotten. I had a great time at that school. DG: I remember seeing Walt sitting there with a few others, Sidney Miller was one, director of the MMC. A family spokesman said the cause was cancer. In December 1959, at the age of 15, Grady appeared in two episodes of CBS's Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre, playing opposite Joan Crawford and Dick Powell. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What a terrific interview. Biography - A Short Wiki. And to to Don's Wife and kids All I have to say besides you have my deepest Sypathies is Thank You for Sharing Don with so many of us like me that got a little piece of Don to cherish for the rest of their lives! Was not aware that Don had passed away. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. One day I walked into the cafeteria and the whole room broke out singing the Mickey Mouse Club theme song. RIP "Robbie". Have to admit to having a bit of a crush on him back then . From 1976 to 1979, he was married to Julie Boonisar. I also did a few solo things, played a few musical instruments and did an impersonation of Johnny Rays song Cry. I love your show, so wholesome and family oriented. Cancer. He made a handful of guest appearances on TV series in the 1970s and 1980s, but he worked primarily as a musician and composer, writing the theme for "The Phil Donahue Show" and music for the Blake Edwards film "Switch" and the popular Las Vegas show "EFX," a showcase for "Phantom of the Opera" star Michael Crawford. I wS saddened to learn he was no longer with us, very sad . He is missed . Si vous ne souhaitez pas que nos partenaires et nousmmes utilisions des cookies et vos donnes personnelles pour ces motifs supplmentaires, cliquez sur Refuser tout. the heavens however will be a better place with you and your music;;; To a talented musician, actor, and Facebook friend. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Love watching old reruns of my 3 sons.Don Grady was a very handsome man. Don Grady Dead at 68. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. June 28, 2012 / 4:57 PM Her mother, Mary Grady, was a renowned agent for many child actors. The star started learning how to play several musical instruments at a young age while acting on the side. Don Grady is missed and was a great actor. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Rest in Peace Don. what cancer did don grady died from. I'm 19 years old and I watch my three sons a lot. But he was best known as one of Fred MacMurray's "My Three Sons" on the series that ran on ABC and later CBS from 1960 to 1972. One time Id be a Japanese emissary, and another a Mexican balladeer. 19541991 What type of cancer did Don Grady have? "The one real through-line in his life was music," Livingston said. Despite being typecast as a nice guy, MacMurray often said his best roles were when he was cast against type, such as under the direction of Billy Wilder and Edward Dmytryk. So they at least couldve given me the sweatshirt! I'm watching My Three Sons this morning and decide to search Mr Grady,Don. Her brother, Don, was an original Mickey Mouse Mouseketeers; he also starred as Robbie in "My Three Sons. When Lani became 13, her mother eventually gave in to her request to be put up for an audition. Initially airing on ABC, the show moved to CBS in 1965. When Considine departed, Barry Livingston became the adopted "third" son, and Grady became the cool, handsome and assured eldest brother that much of America adored. Character actor John Anderson is cast as Fisk Madden, who tries to drive Taggart off his land and gain Stella's favor. [1] His sister Lanita became an actress known professionally as Lani O'Grady. It turns out Buster was a foil. Her mother didn't encourage Lani's desires in the movie world because she was aware of the emotional effect acting could have on children. I for one will miss your posts and updates as well as your encouraging words to me. afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss en fonction de vos profils de centres dintrt; mesurer lefficacit des publicits et contenus personnaliss; et. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for all the latest updates. Pour en savoir plus sur la faon dont nous utilisons vos donnes personnelles, veuillez consulter notre politique relative la vie prive et notre politique en matire de cookies. That was a big deal then! But I had a crush on Mouse Karen. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. In loving memory of a wonderful person. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. In December 1959, he featured in two episodes of CBS's Zane Grey Theatre opposite Dick Powell and Joan Crawford. I will miss you all the days of my life. He died of myeloma at age 68 in Thousand Oaks, California, and is buried at the Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Still, in 1998, she went to a mental health ward of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to obtain detox. Don Grady was 68 years old when he. He is best remembered as one of Walt Disneys Mickey Mouse Mouseketeers and for playing Robbie Douglas in the ABC/CBS series My Three Sons, which ran for 12 years. You will be missed. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Sorry to read he passed away. You will be missed. (ne Castellino), a talent agent, and Lou Anthony Agrati, a sausage maker. SHARES. You were truly an icon of the 1960's . The couple had two children and stayed together for 27 years until Grady's death. I think of you every day. REST IN PEACE DON, YOU WILL BE MISSED JOANNA SACRAMENTO CA.. As a "real" Bob Douglass, I always wished I could be as cool as you on TV and be called Robbie Douglass. A portrait of Lani OGrady on 15 March, 1977 | Photo: Getty Images. Only, like many child stars, he found the adjustment back to the real world difficult. It was a wonderful courtship. He attended Burbank High School and graduated from there in 1962. Most articles only state that he died of. I just enjoyed My three sons so much, It is on my tv right now.Don was the high light for me as he protrayed the brother so well. [7] The couple had two children, Joey and Tessa, and they remained married for 27 years, until Grady's death on June 27, 2012. Rest in peace Robbie, I love watching you on My Three Sons I just wish there where more shows for family to watch Beth Tuttle (Victoria,Tx), I love this show so much. Brought back memories of My Three Sons. They were interested in me but wanted to make sure I could handle someone else getting the recognitionsince I would be coming into the already-famous Mice club. The kids started calling me Mouse. I was short for my age, and sensitive, and I was constantly getting into fights. Ways to honor Don Grady's life and legacy. May God Bless Don and his loved ones who are hurting and missing him so much right now. As an actor, Don Grady appeared in a number of western series including The Restless Gun, Buckskin, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rifleman and Wagon Train. One minute youve got a wardrobe man and a script girl and a director all concerned about you, he told PEOPLE. He made a handful of guest appearances on TV series in the 1970s and 1980s, but worked primarily as a musician and composer, writing the theme for "The Phil Donahue Show" and music for the Blake Edwards film "Switch" and the popular Las Vegas show "EFX," a showcase for "Phantom of the Opera" star Michael Crawford. He was in hospice care . So sorry. in denki kaminari personality type. - Rest in peace, Y. Webb. (CBS/AP) Don Grady, who was one of television's most beloved big brothers as Robbie Douglas on the long-running 1960s hit "My Three Sons," died Wednesday. In the years after his TV stardom, he recorded a jazz album under his real name, Don Agrati, and hit the college circuit with his own trio. I loved watching the mice sing and dance, something Id been doing since I was 5 years old. So, do you know how rich Tina Cole is, as of mid- 2019? Lani came from a family of show-biz professionals. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. He returned to his Disney roots in 2001, composing music for many Disney special projects, including supplemental material for 30 Disney DVDs like the Special Platinum Edition editions of The Emperor's New Groove, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Jungle Book. Didier and I have both learned to be patient in such situations but every few months to gently prod again since the request may have slipped under the radar. Most articles only state that he died of cancer and do not state the. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. I was crushed when I heard the news that you had moved on: you at 68 years old and I now in my 67th year. I wish we could still see this great and clean show. ", Don Grady in an episode of "LOVE AMERICAN STYLE" on 13 February, 1970 | Photo: Getty Images. It was a pleasure meeting you on Facebook and chats that we had about your cd "BOOMER" my favorite is "REINVENTING OURSELVES", THE DYER DEVICE: MORTPM CICA AE MOICA: Mortem Obliterat Resurrectione:Transformat Perficit Mentem. MousePlanet is your independent consumer guide to Disney travel and vacations, covering Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. Legal Statement. When Considine departed, Barry Livingston became the adopted "third" son, and Mr. Grady became the cool, handsome and assured eldest brother that much of America adored. I'm glade that I got to talk to you on Facebook about your sister Lani. Thank you for making so many happy memories for so many people through your acting. Mine was not so I put your TV family in a special place in my mind and in my heart. He married twice in his lifetime. As a child in the Bay Area town of Lafayette, Grady developed a fondness for music and. Apart from acting, Don also had a passion for music. Don Grady's sister, Lani O'Grady, who passed away at 46, was famous for her role as Mary Bradford in "Eight Is Enough." Some say he had testicular cancer, though it is difficult to confirm. You are all forever part of our "extended family" and will always be in our prayers. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Biden team readies new advisory panel ahead of expected reelection bid, At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, House Democrats unhappy with White House handling of D.C.'s new criminal code. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Born in San Diego as Don Louis Agrati, Grady had a brief stint singing and dancing on "The Mickey Mouse Club" starting at age 13. (Season 6,Ep:11) as well as two episodes of the NBC education drama, Mr. Novak, starring James Franciscus. what kind of cancer did don grady have. In June 2012, he died of myeloma in California, at the age of 68. RIP Don. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The "My Three Sons" star died at his home in Thousand Oaks, California, at 68. He was Donald OConnors side kick. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I always watched "My Three Sons." Cause of Death. In June 2012, the actor cum musician died of myeloma, a type of cancer, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdkD2a4mW4. "It's the oldest clich in the world when TV brothers start referring to each other like biological brothers, but he was the oldest, and somebody I looked up to and learned from a great deal about life," Livingston said. Livingston said Grady had been suffering from cancer and receiving hospice care at his home in California. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner, Vicodin and antidepressant Prozac were discovered in her bloodstream. VIEWS. We were brothers. That request was not uncommon. I didnt want to say anything to her because, like the rest of the nation, I thought she and Cubby were an item. Thanks for the memories. When Cubby told me Karen wasnt his girlfriend, that my interest in her was OK with him, I started to talk with her more and eventually she warmed up. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. DG: Theres always been this rumor that we got to keep our sweatshirt and ears. During production of My Three Sons, Grady both appeared with his own band The Greefs on the series, writing two original songs for the show ( "A Good Man To Have Around The House" & "Leaving It Up To You"), recorded a single with the Palace Guard ("Little People" b/w "Summertime Game") in 1966, and was the drummer for The Yellow Balloon, whose self-titled song became a minor hit in 1967. I watched my three sons all the time from little kid growing up and now I still watch it on Me-TV remix Robbie you are Miss you are the best and I miss you buddy I. I remember the lyric: You put accent on the wrong syllable, thats how you sing calypso.. By the age of 14, the future star had groomed his musical . Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Being a Mouse didnt help me get the following acting jobsthat was a different arena. JK: You met your wife, Ginny, at Disneyland. He died of myeloma at age 68 in Thousand Oaks, California, and is buried at the Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California.[8]. Who were the models in Van Halen's finish what you started video? 'My Three Sons' actor Don Grady died Wednesday, June 27, of cancer, Deadline.com confirms. Don Grady -- who played one of the sons on the TV classic, " My Three Sons " -- has died at the age of 68 . I always had a crush on Don Grady--he was so cute and handsome. Grady was born Don Louis Agrati in San Diego, California, the son of Mary B. His works included music for the Blake Edwards comedy film Switch, the theme song for The Phil Donahue Show[7] and for EFX, a Las Vegas multimedia stage show starring Michael Crawford, David Cassidy, Tommy Tune, and Rick Springfield. When Considine departed, Barry Livingston became the adopted "third" son, and Grady became the cool, handsome and assured eldest brother that much of America adored. What are the odds? news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. They broke out in applause. [8] Filmography [ edit] Biography portal California portal RIP Don Grady. DG: He rarely came by. A native of San Diego, California, Grady made his mark on the world as a child actor, starring on the hit TV series The Mickey Mouse Club as the young Mouseketeer. Don was born on June 8, 1944, and grew up in San Diego. Born Don Agrati in San Diego, California, Don Grady became a Mousekeeter, along with 23 others, when that show debuted in 1955. In the 70s, she made an appearance in movies such as "The Love Boat," "The Kid with the Broken Halo," amongst others. does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. JK: How did you find out that the Mickey Mouse Club was cancelled? is for general information purposes only. He was 68 years old and had been battling the disease for the past four years. However, the first part of the interview about his time as a Mouseketeer was finished and I have edited it here. One of my favorite actors. 6/27/2012 5:20 PM PT. Mike and Rob get into it. Don Grady, center, with his "My Three Sons" co-stars. Some of the people I have interviewed over the years prefer being interviewed by e-mail because they have difficulty hearing over the phone or want to take time to research their answers or just want to be careful about how they respond. He was 68. His son, Joey, is already doing a good job of that, pursuing a music career. JK: Did anyone at school make fun of you for being a Mouseketeer? the vegies you grew in your garden, that you gifted me with tasted great and i thought that was great that you had a garden like i did and we spent all that time talking about growing things. His "My Three Sons" co-star Barry Livingston, who played youngest brother Ernie, confirmed Grady's death to The Associated Press. He was 68. A musical prodigy who played eight instruments before he hit his teens, Grady was able to make a successful career transition to composer, working in a music studio he set up in his Studio City, Calif., home. ", A portrait of Don Grady on set of "LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE" on 13 February, 1970 | Photo: Getty Images, He also wrote songs for television, theater and movies. Legal Statement. He also served as the drummer for the pop band The Yellow Balloon. 0. Absolutely loved you in My Three Sons. The gag was we have this dance competition, the younger Mice doing the moon walk, etc., and the older Mice (Mouse Sharon and me) doing the jitterbugand the older Mice outlast the younger ones. Thanks for being there in a happy family. Please contact destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information. Don will be so missed he was fantastic & I was so sad to know he passed on and he will live in his fans heart's forever. He died of myeloma at age 68 in Thousand Oaks, California, and his gravesite is at the Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California. I watched you on My Three Sons for 12 years. We wrote letters back and forth, getting to know each other without the physical complications. Rest in Peace, Don. I remember seeing him maybe three times. So once again, I was a fill in. Hes the one who started all this for me. JK: Did you get to keep your sweatshirt and ears when the show was cancelled? We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. A truly special soul! However, in the 90s, she announced that she was free from the drugs thanks to a different medication regimen. Always enjoyed Don on "My Three Sons". While we are young, we never think about that final day. Born Mary Biaggina Castellino, Mary was a child actor herself. RIP Robbie. During his time in Hollywood, he made appearances in "The Rifleman" and "Wagon Train. I am still so very sad for the loss of great friend Don. Ginny Grady, the actor's wife, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the California native died after a four-year battle with cancer. The Comments you made under many of things I posted especially a video tribute I made for William Frawley will forever be cherished in my heart. JK: Who were some of the adults you worked with that stood out in your memory? Here is all you want to know, and more! At 14, he was a top musician in high school who played the drums, accordion, ukulele, and clarinet.