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Marvin Kaplan

1927 - 2016

BORN

1927

DIED

2016

Marvin Kaplan Obituary

Marvin Kaplan, a prolific comedy character actor who played the diner patron Henry the telephone repairer on the sitcom "Alice," died Aug. 25, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 89.

The death was confirmed in a statement on the website of the Hollywood theater company Theatre West, of which Kaplan was a member.

"It is with a sad and heavy heart to inform you our very own Marvin Kaplan passed away today at 5AM in his sleep," the statement read. "There will be a memorial at the theatre, in addition to any other service for him. … We loved Marvin. He truly will be missed."

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Kaplan was born Jan. 24, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. During the early 1950s, he first acted on the radio version of "Meet Millie," continuing with the show when it moved to television. He played Alfred Prinzmetal, who longed to be a famous poet and composer.

Kaplan was known to cartoon fans for providing the voice of Choo-Choo on the 1960s "Top Cat" cartoon series. In 1987, he reprised the role for "Top Cat and the Beverly Hills Cats." Kaplan's other voice-over credits include "Garfield and Friends," "Johnny Bravo," and, as late as 2011, "The Garfield Show."

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Felsenburg, in 1976.
Published by The Gazette on Aug. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Kaplan

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60 Entries

Marcia Proch

November 17, 2024

Mr. Kaplan was a wonderful man! He did substitute teaching at Grant High School in Van Nuys, Ca.teaching drama. He was really special! He will be remembered forever!

ALVIN PRESS

November 14, 2021

RIP

C. Williams

October 31, 2019

Enjoyed him on "Alice"

Barbra Dickman

May 18, 2017

I will always love henry

Arnold Goldberg

January 21, 2017

Awww...so sorry to hear this. I worked with Marvin in the 60's at Sacramento Music Circus. Marvin was in several shows and was the best cowardly lion ever in "The Wizard of Oz!" My mother liked Marvin a lot and we had him join us for dinner on a few occasions! RIP Marvin

Darlene Brandt

January 1, 2017

I remember loving Meet Millie in my childhood and completely ADORED Alfred E. Prinzmetal. I knew he was a consummate, marvelous actor but had no idea he was a writer and a true icon of the theater. We send our deepest sympathy in his passing. Marvin's work will live on and his monumental talent will ALWAYS be remembered. Rest in peace, Marvin. You are and will always be an American Original. Kate Hepburn knew talent--thank God she brought you to the attention of the world, because the world loved you and always will. <3 (sideways heart)

Grady Youngblood

September 4, 2016

Marvin Kaplan is the Greatest Actor on Tv & Movies.

September 1, 2016

"As we say at the telephone company: Hello!"
Goodbye as funny as ever!

Val

August 31, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Kaplan's death. I remember him from Alice and a few other sitcoms. He was so funny. I offer my deepest condolences to his family. May Jehovah comfort you!

Carolyn Murray

August 30, 2016

To the family of Mr. Kaplan rest assured that he will forever surround your lives with his spirit. When our loved ones leave this Earth they still remain with the ones left behind to help you through any of those difficult times; God makes them our guardian angels. I will cherish my memories of "Henry". RIP Marvin

Nancy Friedman

August 29, 2016

Marvin and I were together several times on the stage he always made me feel like the star -- dick joins me and saying a funny man will be badly missed

michelle plakas-kaiser

August 29, 2016

rip

Garcia

August 29, 2016

Rest in Peace.

Les Breese

August 29, 2016

I always enjoyed Mr. Kaplan's comic portrayals through the years. He had the ability to provide just the right personality to each of these characters...a genuinely funny and talented man!

August 29, 2016

Truly sorry to hear about Marvin Kaplan. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. May precious memories forever live in our hearts and in God's "book of life."

August 29, 2016

Marvin Kaplan in the early fifties was a substitute teacher at Malabar Elementary School in East Los Angeles . His personality was such that after nearly 60 years I still remember and admire him . I remember his early days on TV and felt this man was truly a great comedian . Good bye amigo .

Jerry Pietrala

August 28, 2016

You had a long, versatile career that touched the lives of many.

Rest in peace, Marvin. You'll be incredibly missed by millions.

August 28, 2016

Marvin was a great actor in every show he appeared. I first saw him on "Meet Millie" and always followed his career. No one could do it better than him. Time for him to rest now--Mac

Scott Chamberland

August 28, 2016

Rest in Peace

August 28, 2016

I will always remember you as Henry Beesmeyer. You were a good actor. My condolences to the family, friends, and fans.
Something that Henry might have said.

"Sorry, you call has been disconected."
R.I.P. Marvin "Henry" Kaplan

Choo Choo

Adrian Cavazos

August 28, 2016

I was exposed to Marvin's talent when I watched Top Cat in 2009. I loved his character Choo-Choo. A few years later, I watched "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and it was hilariously funny. Although I never met him in person, he will be missed but I will remember him when I watch Top Cat.

Donald Hall

August 27, 2016

Marvin,
I enjoyed watching you on Alice all through my growing up years. I was so sorry to hear of your passing. You will always be remembered. To me, I'll always remember "Henry Biesmyer"(I guess that's how it is spelled. I apologize if I have it wrong.) I want to give my condolences to his family. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers right now.

Virginia Piery

August 27, 2016

I will always remember when you came to dinner at my place and fell asleep sitting on my sofa afterwards. We so enjoyed having you as our guest and will always remember you with love.

August 27, 2016

The world has lost an outstanding talent. Watching Marvin in all of his performances over the years was always excellent entertainment. He was one of a kind--A fan

August 27, 2016

I will always hear your voice. You will be missed dearly. Top Cat on a Friday night with a piece of Ma's pizza and I was happy as a clam. God Bless.

August 27, 2016

Sincere condolences to the family and friends in this time of great loss. May the God of loyal love comfort you all during your time of sorrow. Hosea 13:14

Norma Osborne

August 27, 2016

Rest in peace love you and will miss you.

A Lee

August 27, 2016

Mr Marvin Kaplan rest in peace. he was so funny on Alice.

A Davis

August 27, 2016

Sadness for this loss. I remember he lived in Williamsburg Brooklyn. I saw him picture which he signed sitting in a frame whichinn one of the stores he frequented on Bedford Ave.
Rest in peace, Marvin
A. Davis

August 27, 2016

So sorry for your loss.

Melody Cole

August 27, 2016

Sweet, gentle man. You were the best!! R I P , dearest Marvin. Say hello to "Vera" for me too. :' )

August 27, 2016

I am really sorry for your loss, it must be tough to go through this but always remember that god can do anything and bring back life to those who did good (1 kings 17:17,24).

August 27, 2016

My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of compassion, console
your grieving heart during the loss
of your dear beloved one.
May the family forever cherish fondest
times shared together.
May the LORD carry your burdens and
give you the needed strength ahead.
Much love and deep respect.
My sincere and heartfelt prayers are
with you.
(Psalms 121)

TE, New Orleans, Louisiana

August 27, 2016

Sorry for your loss. I grew up watching and loving the tv cartoon top cat. He was. My favorite character.

May the loving God Jehovah comfort the family and provide the endurance needed during this time.

August 27, 2016

Marvin made millions laugh over the years. May all cherish those memories and look to the book of Job and its' many promises of a fine future.
Christopher Maduri
Cleveland, Ohio

Ann

August 27, 2016

Our condolences goes to you on this difficult time. May our loving God comfort all of you as he promise in Psalm 9:9;10

August 27, 2016

I'm sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace to cope with your loss Phillippians 4:6,7.

August 27, 2016

My condolences to the family.
Comfort to the family.
Php 4:6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God.
Elizabeth

August 27, 2016

Please accept my condolences at the death of your loved one. Know that the God of comfort feel your pain and suffering. Isaiah reads: "He sent me (Jesus Christ) to bind up the brokenhearted, ... To comfort all who mourn, ..."

CHRIS CAZZATO

August 27, 2016

TO HIS FAMILY I REMEMBER HIM ON ALICE.GOD BLESS REST IN PEACE

Steven Joos

August 27, 2016

I just watched an episode of Top Cat on YouTube the other day. Sorry to hear of this. Condolences to the family.

Adrian Barnette

August 26, 2016

We'll miss you !

LD

August 26, 2016

We share in this time of grief but also share in the love and memories of Marvin on the Alice show.
May God's loving kindness comfort your family and help you through this sad time. Ps 29:11

Stephanie Bennett

August 26, 2016

Loved and appreciate all your work.God bless.RIP.

August 26, 2016

I will always remember how choo choo seem so real the laughter from his characters will stay in my memories May God continue to bring back such memories as time goes by

Ed Oleski

August 26, 2016

I will always remember fondly Marvin on the Meet Millie TV show back in the 50s. Then he topped off his talent with It'd s a Mad Mad Mad World. He was one of the first people that cracked me up as a child. Rip Marvin.

Dave Mann

August 26, 2016

Marvin was a unique talent. Not just on "Alice" or "Top Cat", but his hilarious role as a gas station attendant in "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", He brought laughter to an audience when they needed it most.

Condolences to his family.

Jimmy Carothers

August 26, 2016

Mr. Kaplan meant a lot to me growing up. Thank You for sharing him with me !

Harry Simpson

August 26, 2016

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Diana Patton

August 26, 2016

I remember Marvin Kaplan in the show Alice. He added to the show. My prayers and condolences to his family. May God be with them.

Hope Constant-Carter

August 26, 2016

I Guess T.C. And All The Gang Will Be Missing One Trash Can In The Alley. Where Officer Dibble's Foot Beat Was Clean & Noise Free. You Will be Truly Missed Choo's

J W

August 26, 2016

May the God of peace comfort the family (Isa.41:10).

August 26, 2016

Choo Choo was my favorite! Thanks for all the childhood memories!

Evans family

August 26, 2016

Mr. Kaplan Family and Friends,

May the support of family and friends be a source of strength and the God of comfort a refuge in your time of need. We thank you for the good laughs and memories.

Andrea

August 26, 2016

we need more people like Marvin around now, great guy, comedian always made us laugh, with good clean fun.
Heaven will be happy now.

August 26, 2016

Marvin was also in the star-studded movie "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World". He played alongside Arnold Stang as a gas station attendant. It was their grand opening and an enraged Jonathan Winters proceeded to destroy the entire building. Hysterical clip and can be sure that it's on YouTube. Rest in peace Mr. Kaplan you were a true gem of comedy.

Sull

August 26, 2016

Thanks for all the laughs marvin

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