Willy Switkes

Willy Switkes

Willy Switkes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 11, 2013.
NEW YORK (AP) — A character actor who had minor roles in "Tootsie," ''Taxi Driver" and dozens of other films has died. Willy Switkes (SWIT'-kehs) was 83.

His niece Ellen Switkes says he died of colon cancer on Thursday at a hospice in Rockville, Md.

Willy Switkes was a native of Washington, D.C., and a longtime New York City resident. He appeared in Broadway productions of "The Cherry Orchard" and "A Thousand Clowns" and was an understudy to Buster Keaton during a 1960 tour of "Once Upon a Mattress." His other films include "The French Connection" and "Bananas."

His characters often were unidentified, such as his "man at cab" credit for "Tootsie," in which he's thrown from a taxi after trying to cut in front of title character Dustin Hoffman.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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March 17, 2013

Ashley Reed posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2013

Erica Broadway posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2013

L. Walters posted to the memorial.

27 Entries

Ashley Reed

March 17, 2013

My sympathies to the Switkes family. May God give them comfort and peace. We all look forward to the time when "no resident will say I am sick" and death will be no more. Isaiah 8:25, 33:24

Erica Broadway

March 14, 2013

It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.

L. Walters

March 14, 2013

Our God's plan was for his children to live peaceful & healthy long lives. Know that his plans hasn't changed and are still in progress, until then just remember that God has Willy in his memory, where he will always be in yours. (Isaiah 55:11)

March 14, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

March 13, 2013

Sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of comfort be with you at this time.

March 13, 2013

With deepest sympathy to the Switkes family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

March 13, 2013

The bible can comfort at john 3:16

March 13, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Bankston

March 13, 2013

We offer our sincere condolences to the Switkes family and friends.Draw strength from the Hearer of Prayer and God of all comfort.

March 12, 2013

I will miss my Silly Willy - he was one of a kind and always made me laugh. You could not help but feel good around him - till we meet again, my happy thoughts and memories

Bertie Schneiderson (New York City)

Stacy

March 12, 2013

Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.

Charles Shea

March 12, 2013

Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with the rest of us and thank you for all the wonderful memories.

March 12, 2013

Sorry for your loss, may you find comfort and hope in our Heavenly Father and his word...CI

Victoria&Andrew ~*~

March 12, 2013

Our serene condolences..
Thank you WILLY for the
charm and wit of show Comedy..
Wish you well as you leave
into a new spiritual life@

Rita Galloway

March 12, 2013

May you draw close to God through prayer during this time of great sadness.
"Before him pour out YOUR heart.
God is a refuge for us," Psalm 62:8

March 12, 2013

My sincere condolence to the Switkes family. May the Almighty God comfort you through this grievous time. Psalms 55:22.
Jem. Florida

March 12, 2013

It is my hope that the all who knew and loved Mr. Switkes are comforted by the good memories and also the peace God provides in His word the Bible.

michelle plakas-kaiser

March 12, 2013

rip

Les Breese

March 12, 2013

It was always fun to watch a character portrayal by Willy Switkes...he was an actor who gave the spotlight to the "little guys" of the world. My condolences to the family, friends, and fellow fans of Willy Switkes.

March 12, 2013

I would like to extend my sympathy to the family. May you gain strength from the God of all comfort.

tiqin Deng

March 12, 2013

I'm sorry to here that

March 12, 2013

Please accept my condolences. May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this difficult time.

hyde

March 12, 2013

To the family and friends of Mr. Swiitkes you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May the God who comforts all people comfort you in your time of need.

Jane Dowling

March 12, 2013

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.

March 12, 2013

Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.

Anna hendon

March 12, 2013

I'm Deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.

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Sign Willy Switkes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 17, 2013

Ashley Reed posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2013

Erica Broadway posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2013

L. Walters posted to the memorial.