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Arte Johnson Dead at 90

Cheryl Kahla
Jul 03, 2019
11:59 P.M.

Arte Johnson was an actor from Hollywood's Golden Era, most famously known for his parts in "Sesame Street" and "The Laugh Boat."

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Johnson had been battling with bladder and prostate cancer for the last three years, and passed away on July 2, 2019, at the age of 90.

Since retiring from the silver screen in 1998, Johnson had spent most of his time in Southern California. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gisela.

Arte Johnson at the 3rd Annual Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. Photo: Getty Images/GlobalImagesUkraine

Arte Johnson at the 3rd Annual Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. Photo: Getty Images/GlobalImagesUkraine

Arte Johnson began his career in 1954 at the age of 25 when he landed a minor role in the TV series "Max Liebman Spectaculars."

He went on to appear as Bascomb Bleacher Jr. in several episodes of "Sally" before landing the role of Corporal Lefkowitz in "Don't Call Me Charlie."

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As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson truly cemented his career with the characters he created for "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."

Fans will fondly recall his portrayal of a former German storm trooper named Wolfgang, complete with frizzy hair, top hat, and bad suit.

He created more than 60 comic characters, appeared on "The Love Boat," and was awarded an Emmy for his acclaimed skits on "Laugh-In."

Johnson retired from acting in the late nineties but returned to the industry briefly to portray Virman Vundabar in the TV series "Justice League Unlimited" in 2005.

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