Gary Friedkin.Photo: Newsmakers via Getty
Star WarsandHappy Daysactor Gary Friedkin is dead after contracting COVID and spending over three weeks in intensive care. He was 70.
Friedkin is known for roles like his three-episode arc as Clarence onHappy Daysin 1982, and as an Ewok in 1983’sStar Wars: Episode VI –Return of the Jedi.
He was also credited in movies likeYoung Doctors in LoveandCool World. Friedkin appeared on shows likeChicago HopeandThe Practice, and his most recent credit wasMother’s Dayin 2016.
“Gary was born to entertain,” his loved ones wrote in the obituary. “While in high school, he was a member of multiple school and local bands, including the rock band, The Solars.”
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“He was a gift to all who knew him as an amazing son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend,” they added. “Gary lived his life to the absolute fullest, bringing endless laughs to his family and many friends, while never letting the obstacles he faced get in his way. Gary put countless smiles on people’s faces and left so many with their own special ‘Gary story.’ "
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The family set up a scholarship in Friedkin’s name at Youngstown State University for “those with a disability or a concentration in the performing arts.” A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
The obituary added, “The family thanks you in advance for respecting their privacy at this time and encourages everyone to get vaccinated and boosted to protect their family and community.”
source: people.com
