Conrad Janis, Mork & Mindy Star, Has Passed Away
Conrad Janis, famed theater, television, and film actor from Mork & Mindy and The Cable Guy, has sadly passed away at 94 years old.
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Famed star of Mork & Mindy, Conrad Janis, has passed away at the age of 94 years old. The long-time actor has led a storied life which included a successful run in the theater, in films, and appearing alongside Robin Williams in the hit 1970s series which helped launched Williams’s career. Janis began his career way back in the 1940s while appearing on several stage plays that include Dark of the Moon and Snafu. His death was confirmed by his business manager, Dean A. Avedon. He is survived by his son Christopher, daughter Carin, brother Caroll, and more extended family.
While most fans will immediately recognize Conrad Janis for his role as the overprotective father of Mindy in Mork & Mindy, he held a successful career outside of that show. On top of being an actor, he was known to be a heavily renowned and lifelong jazz trombonist. Even during the times in which he was at the height of his career with the previously mentioned sitcom, Janis regularly played with his band, the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band. That’s some massive talent to have considering the massive amount of stage plays, television shows, and films that the actor has appeared in throughout his illustrious career.
Conrad Janis began his acting career in the theater during the 1940s before garnering smaller roles in films. His first two were that of 1946’s Margie and 1947’s The Hagan Girl. The Hagan Girl famously starred the former president Ronald Reagan and Shirley Temple. Not a bad cast to be starring alongside. He would then go on to take on many television roles in the 1960s which include appearing in The Untouchables, Stoney Burke, Get Smart, My Favorite Martian, and 1970s series like Baretta, The Waltons, and Lavern & Shirley. Janis clearly carved his way through Hollywood and more before landing his biggest role in Mork & Mindy. He played Frank McConnell and would remain on that show from 1978 to 1982.
While his film career was not as extensive, Conrad Janis still managed to appear in quite a good number of films which include Airport 1975, The Happy Hooker, and the cult classic Ben Stiller-led film, The Cable Guy. He played the father in the fake sitcom Double Trouble in The Cable Guy. Clearly, the right role for him to play considering that he was a father in Mork & Mindy and had a plethora of television show experience. Not a bad place to be when appearing alongside Ronald Reagan, then years later alongside the comedic genius of Jim Carrey. What a career Janis has truly had. On top of all that, he also regularly appeared on Broadway with 1975’s Same Time, Next Year being his more recent foray into the high-level theater level of acting.
Conrad Janis leaves this world with a legacy that includes a whopping 102 acting credits. The man has spent the last nearly 80 years appearing in all manner of entertainment mediums. While some might have to go digging to find Mork & Mindy, it is certainly worth checking out. Janis, Williams, and Pam Dawber are all fantastic with one another. Rest in peace, Mr. Janis.
