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Allan Melvin Obituary
Melvin died of cancer Thursday at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, said Amalia Melvin, his wife of 64 years.
The jowly, jovial Melvin spent decades playing a series of sidekicks, second bananas and lovable lugs, including Archie Bunker's friend Barney Hefner on "All in the Family," and Sgt. Bilko's right-hand man Cpl. Henshaw on the "Phil Silvers Show."
But his place in pop culture will be fixed as butcher and bowler Sam Franklin, the love interest of Brady family maid Alice Nelson, who was played by Ann B. Davis. Melvin played the role from 1970 to 1973.
Melvin grew up in New York and attended Columbia University.
He was appearing on Broadway in "Stalag 17" when he began his decades-long television career with "The Phil Silvers Show," playing a role his wife said was always his favorite.
He saw steady employment as a voice actor from the early 1960s to the early 1990s, most famously providing the voice of "Magilla Gorilla" for the Hanna Barbera cartoon of the same name.
His other credits include several guest appearances on "The Andy Griffith Show," "Gomer Pyle: USMC," and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
214 Entries
June 19, 2025
Allen,
Was great on the beast bunch, I remember when he apologized he always talk to the kids, I think he was a friend to all, great actor, sorry for your loss
Maurice Bank
June 7, 2025
Thanks for so many great performances.Shalom!
Maurice Bank
April 4, 2025
Another of the great Jewish funny men gone to rest. Thanks Allan for all the laughs.
Dominick Prendergast
December 8, 2023
Allan Melvin was one of my favorite character actors, and always looked like a regular guy that you could have as a friendly neighbor. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Unfortunately It is said that "Grief is the price we pay for love". "May he Rest in Peace"
Dominick Prendergast
How you can show support
Grady Youngblood
December 7, 2023
He was appearing on Broadway in "Stalag 17" when he began his decades-long television career with "The Phil Silvers Show," playing a role his wife said was always his favorite.
He saw steady employment as a voice actor from the early 1960s to the early 1990s, most famously providing the voice of "Magilla Gorilla" for the Hanna Barbera cartoon of the same name.
His other credits include several guest appearances on "The Andy Griffith Show," "Gomer Pyle: USMC," and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
Dominick Prendergast
October 8, 2023
Allan Melvin was one of my favorite actors, and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Unfortunately it is said that "Grief is the price we pay for love" He touched so many lives. May he Rest in Peace.
Gino Scorza
October 7, 2023
Allan was an inspiration to many including all the cast he acted with .he was a professional in every way.personally he was my favorite in all his scenes in gomer Pyle my condolences.
Dominick Prendergast
November 15, 2021
Thanks for the memories Allan. My favorite memory was when you were a guest on All in the family, as an insurance agent helping Archie get compensation for Edith's lost or stolen necklace. However you were great on all the episodes that I saw on Andy Griffith show, and other shows as well. I will always remember you with fondness. Again thanks for the memories. May you Rest in Peace . Love always Joan and Dom Prendergast.
howard snyder
March 21, 2021
He is still with us.His roles were many and he reached the top in creativity from Sgt. Bilko down the line. I will always have a smile on my face when I see his screen work. THANKS to a great ACTOR and more. H.S.
John katze
March 12, 2021
Always enjoyed your appearances on some of my favorite show. Your’s is an impressive body of work and you are a real “Charley Hustle”.
Richard Cushing
October 8, 2019
Thank you Allan for such a great memory on Gomer Pyle USMC. You are greatly missed
Hannah Pino
July 28, 2019
You were so amazing in the Brady Bunch and Andy Griffith. I will always remember you. You are so dearly missed.
Robert Gomez
June 6, 2019
I enjoyed watching you on Perry Mason, Gomer Pyle,and The Brady Bunch. You were awesome. I just wished I would have met you .Rest in peace ,and may god bless you.I bet you were a great man. I will always remember you.
May 11, 2019
Great man
george turner
April 23, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Pamela Langlois
July 20, 2017
Rip old friend
Ron krikorian.
June 27, 2017
Allan. You were the best. Really enjoyed your work. Cancer is not a good thing.i know because i also have it.
Cindy Bourgeois
April 23, 2017
I'm sorry I didn't know about your passing. I loved you in everything I ever saw you in. My favorites were all on the Andy Griffin and the Brady Bunch. You were awesome. And you will be sadly missed. I hope you and Alice and Mr & Mrs Brady have them falling in the aisles up there. Love & Miss you lots.
David Hugaert
November 29, 2016
A great actor - although his best and most memorable role to me, was as Sgt. Charlie Hacker on "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.". R.I.P., Allan Melvin. You brought both humor & class into every role you played!
Mary Kazick
September 2, 2016
I am old enough to remember Corporal Henshaw delivering a line in perfect Polish to a lady in a Sgt Bilk o episode ! So he came across as a generic American but by his looks and that Polish line he delivered. the guy was a Pol ski somewhere along the line.
RIP guy with all those roles you deserve it!
Daniel M. Zaborowski
May 18, 2016
R.I.P. Mr. Melvin.
I've seen you in many a t.v. Show and you were a great actor. But I never knew you were the voice to my favorite cartoon as a young kid magilla gorilla. You are sadly missed in the entertainment world. There weren't many that possessed your character actor abilities sir.
Grady Youngblood
January 14, 2016
Allan Melvin is the Greatest Actor on Tv & Movies.
solen renzelman
July 14, 2015
Great actor great guy
April 6, 2015
You and Ann are now together in heaven. May you both Rest in Peace. God Bless the 2 of you. You'll be forever in our hearts. (Barbara Vanagas, Douglaston NY)
Harry Simpson
January 17, 2015
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Maurice H Bank
November 27, 2014
Allan, you will be sorely missed. Your bullying of Barney on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show is one of the best of that show. You were also marvelous on the Phil Silvers Show. Shalom!
David Lawrence
June 6, 2014
With the recent passing of "Alice Nelson" aka Ann B. Davis.. That now just leaves the Matriarch Florence Henderson and the Six "Brady Kids" left. May Mr. Reed, Mr. Melvin, and Miss Davis, all rest in peace. And I pray that Miss Henderson will be around for sometime. God Bless her and the six kids still with us.
Robert Tripp
September 20, 2013
A great actor whom I marvel at delightfully to this day. Such a unique and wonderful character! Robert Tripp, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
Lisa Weiner
February 23, 2013
To Allan Melvin,
You were a great actor. I thought you did a great job playing Sam the Butcher on the sitcom The brady Bunch and Barney Hefner on All in the family. My prayers are with your family. Lisa Weiner
John skrepak
September 29, 2012
Allan was a face we all knew back in he 60s and 70s in the then small world of television. How easily he switched characters even when he'd already been seen playing another role in the same series (like in The Andy Griffith Show). That's true talent. He's definitely left his mark in the industry and that's more than most actors can say.
Neil Lesser
January 4, 2012
Allan was as great a character as there ever was. His character brought a lot of happiness to me.
bob burns
June 11, 2011
of the shows i've watched, the andy griffith show (have all 8 seasons dvd), sgt bilko, gomer pyle usmc and all in the family. my favorites were the various characters on the andy griffith show. your my favorite character actor of all time!
April 1, 2010
For Allan...the Brady Bunch...
and all of us miss you.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
cheri weiner
December 4, 2009
Allen Melvin:
Sorry to learn of your passing.
You were in almost every sitcom and always the 'good guy'.
May your memories bring comfort to your loved ones you left behind.
April 7, 2009
To Allan Mellvin,
I really enjoyed watching you on the sitcoms Gomer Pyle and the Brady Bunch. Sorry you're not around to make me laugh. Lisa Weiner
Larry Jackson
January 31, 2009
Allan was a great actor. I enjoyed his performances in Gomer Pyle.
Mary Jeffers
June 18, 2008
Allan Melvin: I haven't seen any of your reruns lately, but your performances were always incredibly funny. I last saw you on Gomer Pyle, giving Capt. Carter a hard time.
Alot of Tinseltown heavyweights have made entry into Heaven this year. In particular, Hollywood great, "Heath Ledger" made entry the day after you did. We miss both of you dearly.
Miracle
May 31, 2008
I so sorry to hear about your loved one I hope to share a conforting scripture with you at John11:25 Jesus said: "I am the resurrestion and the life he that exrcises, even though he dies will come to life."
christen shaughnessy
April 7, 2008
he was awesome actor on the brady bunch
Lori Richman
January 28, 2008
I enjoyed seeing you on just about every one of my favorite TV shows. I have to say I loved you the most as Barney Hefner; that time when Archie hit your dog. Hilarous! (it's OK the dog lived). May you rest in peace, you will be deeply missed.
Gary Carroll
January 26, 2008
Mr. Melvin will surely be missed. He was one of my favorite character actors on Andy Griffith especially, but also on Gomer Pyle USMC and All In The Family. His star will shine on.
The Barretto Family
January 25, 2008
What an incredible talent. Thanks for a lifetime of entertainment. God bless you and your family!
John Jackson
January 24, 2008
RIP & God Bless Allan. His works will live forever. I grew up watching you, and saw you two times on TV today. You will be missed.
Mary Byers
January 24, 2008
I've seen Allan many times, especially on Andy Griffith(one of my old time favorites),All in the Family, Gomer Pyle,and The Brady Bunch. He was definitely one of the most believable characters any actor could portray regardless to which role he played. My deepest condolence to his family.
Donald Baillargeon
January 24, 2008
Allan, To a true actor and human being. Your voice will live on for many, many years.We will not forget you and may God Bless you and your family.
Mary Jeffers
January 24, 2008
To the memory of Allan Melvin: I was a fan for many, many years.
Remember seeing him on Archie Bunker and The Andy Griffth Show.
Loved the characters he played. Many condolences to his family.
May he rest in peace
Karyn Kelly
January 24, 2008
Rest In Peace, Sam the Butcher!
Evelyn Watkins
January 23, 2008
I was a fan for many, many years.
My condolences to the Melvin family.
Ronald Yancey
January 23, 2008
What a tremendous man. My many thanks to the family for sharing him with all of us, all these years. Let the lord comfort you, cause he will....Allan will be missed, but heaven is a place of joy today...
Jerri Croff
January 23, 2008
I will remember you forever and for always.
Sharon Knowlton
January 23, 2008
Loved him in the Archie Bunker. Now you are with your buddy. Condolences to his family.
Janice and Col.Michael Hinshaw
January 23, 2008
Atention, Cpl Henshaw, this is not your curtain call just passing from here to another stage. Maybe you and Barney might have a Judo lesson together. The stage is set and you sir I thank for many laughs and good times in front of the TV. Thank you to all the Melvin family for sharing Allan Melvin with us all. Janice and my prayers are with you all at this time.
Larry B. Montgomery
January 23, 2008
You were a talented actor. I especially enjoyed watching you perform on the Andy Griffith Show.Being a character actor takes a special gift.You will be missed.
As you go thru space on airwaves you are immortal.
Jeffery Steven Rightmire
January 23, 2008
Your talent will be missed here on Earth. As you pass the surley bonds of life, you will be in our hearts forever. Now on the Lords stage you shall be pain free and happy .
Hartford, Connecticut
January 23, 2008
Loved him in the Gomer Pyle show during the middle 60's. Condolences to his family.
robin
January 23, 2008
my prays go out to mr allen melvin family and friend so sorry for your loss allan thanks for the memories rest in peace
Lori Kyle
January 23, 2008
How I miss Mr. Melvin's sense of humor! I grew up with the Brady Bunch and remember my brother, sister, and I driving my mother nuts by repeating one of the lines from the show..."How about a nice pork butt tonight, Alice?" We shrieked with laughter...it was so naughty for the time. What better legacy to leave than laughter....
Bob Riese
Bob Riese
January 23, 2008
Mr. Melvin lived across from me in Brentwood when I was in High School.
What a gentleman and genuine person!
God Speed, Allan!
L H
January 23, 2008
To Sam's family. My heart goes out to each of you. It has to be just so humbling to know that he was loved and treasured by so many people and probally touch lives in so many ways. God Bless each of you.
Eunice Jones
January 23, 2008
I watched you last night on an "Andy Griffith" episode and thought about how many different characters you had played on that show alone. Godspeed to a great and memorable actor whose "candle has burned out long before is legend ever will"!
Edwina Smith
January 23, 2008
What a character....What an actor...What memories of his amazing works. ....He gave to me a gift that will remain always...Thanks to you, his family, for sharing him with us!
Adam Krock
January 23, 2008
Some people never die,but live in the hearts of others.Great actor, but also was a professional dancer...GOD BLESS
Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Turner, Sr. & family
January 23, 2008
May God bless and comfort the family of Allan Melvin
Betty M
January 23, 2008
You will greatly missed, you were a fabulous actor. Blessings to your family.
Jeff
January 23, 2008
So sorry for the loss, he was a great man and actor and will be well remembered.
Greg Trefry
January 23, 2008
I Was Reading My Home Town News Paper, and Found Out About Mr. Melvins Passing. He Was a Real Pro In His Field. He Made Us Laugh, He Will Always Be Remembered. Hes Now With God. Greg Trefry Portland, MaineGreg
V. Duenas
January 23, 2008
I REMEMBER HIM FROM THE BRADY BUNCH AND THE ANDY GRIFFIN SHOW, HE WILL BE MISSED..
Nick Audi
January 23, 2008
You were great!!!
Peace be with you,
A fan,
Nick Audi
Mathew Cantoni
January 23, 2008
I really liked Allan Melvin in just about every show he was in.He was good as an actor and will be sadly missed.All the good actors and actresses are dying off.
Cathy Tramonte
January 23, 2008
His memory will live on in the hearts of all he made smile. My prayers go out to his family.
Genei
January 23, 2008
My favorite was you on The Brady Bunch....and then there was Andy Griffith.
Thanks for all the laughs, you will be missed.
LINDA RAMEY
January 23, 2008
I REMEMBERED WHEN I WATCH BRADY BUNCH ABOUT ALLAN MELVIN WHEN I WAS IN TEENS. I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM BUT REMEMBER HIM FOREVER. MAY PRAYERS WITH HIS FAMILY FOR STRENGTH. HE WILL BE MISSED.
L. Reed
January 23, 2008
He was loved.
So sorry about your great lost.
May the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our pains and sorrow give you the needed strength to go on each day.
God promise " All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out those who practice good to a resurrection of life".
robyn leonard
January 23, 2008
I have watched him in just about everything...He will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
mary yowell
January 23, 2008
my dad and i always like you in archie bunker sleep well
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
January 23, 2008
Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your talent. Rest in peace.
JANICE LEVERETT
January 23, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
MAXINE HAMMOND
January 23, 2008
HE WAS ONE GOOD CHARACTER ACTOR AND I REMEMBER HIM WELL.WE HAVE SOME GOOD CHARACTER ACTORS AND HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST, HE COULD KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE IN THE FUNNIEST OF SITUATIONS.
brandy GRASMICK
January 22, 2008
you were very good playing sam on the brady bunch,well miss you
J M
January 22, 2008
I remember a lot of Mr Melvin's greatest roles. My family & I really enjoyed him as an actor. He will be missed. God Bless.
CHRISTINA LIAGRE
January 22, 2008
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY, WHAT A GREAT ACTOR ON THE BRADY BUNCH... SORRY FOR THE LOSS.
ROBIN
January 22, 2008
I GROW UP WATCHING HIM ON THE BRADY BUNCH, I ALWAY LOVED SEEING HIM AND ALICE TOGETHER. HE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. GOD BLESS.
S.
January 22, 2008
God Bless you Mr. Melvin.
You were one of the best character actors around.
My deepest sympathy to your family.
RM S
January 22, 2008
I enjoyed his roles in all of his movies. But mostly all of his comedies. Sorry to see him go. My sympathies to his family
MRS. D. HARPER
January 22, 2008
I CAN REMEMBER HIS ROLES FROM CHILDHOOD TIL NOW. A GREAT MAN WHO COULD DELIVER A LINE WITHOUT SAYING A WORD (IF NEED BE ).IT WAS NOT MERE WORDS THAT MADE HIM A GREAT ACTOR IT IS HOW HE DELIVERED THEM. MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THIS TALENTED MAN. YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Lorna Bell
January 22, 2008
Loved Allans acting, watched most of the shows he was on. I loved him on Brady Bunch the best. So sad to hear of his passing, and my sympathies to his family and friends.
ron scott
January 22, 2008
Loved him on the Brady Bunch
Tony Markos
January 22, 2008
I always enjoyed his great characters. His work will remain with us. May God bless the family and friends.
Shirley Willoughby
January 22, 2008
God Bless you and your family at this time. Allan you was a wonderful actor and so funny.
Eloise Cushenberry
January 22, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
F. S.
January 22, 2008
I remember you from the Dick Van Dyke show. You played Rob's army buddy...hmmmmmm, I think your characters name was Sol. You were always excellent. I will Miss you
Shell Robinson
January 22, 2008
God bless your soul. I enjoyed you on The Brady Bunch. Rest in Peace.
Elizabeth
January 22, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him fondly in his many roles. I remember him in The Brady Bunch, The Andy Griffith Show and All in the Family. He was such a talented man. He will be missed. Gods Blessings!
David Greenbaum
January 22, 2008
Good bye Sergeant Hacker. You will be missed. They don't make quality shows like Gomer Pyle, The Dick Van Dyke Show and Andy Griffith anymore. You were a great character actor.
Sean Ryan
January 22, 2008
One of the True Greats! Thank You for all the Smiles and Laughs.
Sonya Dowell
January 22, 2008
He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you.
Tony
January 22, 2008
RIP, you will be remembered for ever!Your friend Tone T.
JESSE TAYLOR
January 22, 2008
Good memories of Allen from the Brady Bunch. He was always fun to watch him on tv.
January 22, 2008
God speed Sam and Barney you will be missed!!!!
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