R.I.P. Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mayberry RFD, Mama's Family) (1 Viewer)

[Ethan Riley]

Word is circulating that Ken Berry has passed away today at age 85. I haven't seen an official news article yet, but his F-Troop co-star Larry Storch posted it on his wall and Ken's Wikipedia entry has been updated with mention of his passing. Favorite Ken role or show?

 

[The Obsolete Man]

I saw him first in Mama's Family, of course, but I almost remember him better from his few appearances on The Dick Van Dyke Show, most notably when he taught Rob how to beat Laura up.

 

[David Weicker]

I remember him fondly from Once Upon A Mattress, Mayberry RFD, and F-Troop.

R.I.P.

 

[Flashgear]

People who knew him say he was as kind and mild mannered as his onscreen personas.
Here is the announcement from his good friend Larry Storch on Facebook...

 

[Matt Hough]

Yes, I grew up with Ken in F Troop and Mayberry R.F.D. He was a frequent guest of Carol Burnett's on her variety show, and I always enjoyed him on that. She seemed to be really fond of him.

But, like Robert, I first remember seeing him on The Dick Van Dyke Show as Tony, the Alan Brady Show's choreographer.

Rest in peace, kind sir.

 

[John*Wells]

I am an 80s kid ... The first time I saw Ken Berry was in Disney films. in the 80s, HBO Showed Disney movies. When I saw The Cat from Outer Space and Herbie Rides Again, I thought he was hilarious R.I.P

 

[darkrock17]

To me Ken Berry, will always be Vinton Harper on Mama's Family. Ken was born to play that role, no one else would of been able to bring this character to life and make him become one of TV's most lovable clueless nitwits. Thanks for all the laughs Ken.

 

[Dave Lawrence]

I've always enjoyed Ken's work, from F-Troop to Mama's Family, and so many other appearances in between and after. He's one of those who I think provides a reassuring presence, because you know when he appears it's going to be fun and you're definitely going to enjoy the show.

It was only in the last few years that I finally got to see the "Eunice" TV special, first when it showed up on YouTube, and then when it was included on the Mama's Family DVD set. He played Phillip, the character previously played in Family sketches by Roddy McDowall. It showed, especially in the clip below, a side you don't usually see from the actor best known for comical and song-and-dance oriented performances. He was just so good.



R.I.P., Ken.

 

[Malcolm R]

To me Ken Berry, will always be Vinton Harper on Mama's Family. Ken was born to play that role, no one else would of been able to bring this character to life and make him become one of TV's most lovable clueless nitwits. Thanks for all the laughs Ken.

Same here, and his guest appearance on The Golden Girls as Thor (aka "Skipper"), an old flame, at least in his mind, of Rose's from St. Olaf.

 

[Tony Bensley]

https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/ken-berry-dead-dies-f-troop-mayberry-r-f-d-1203071348/

 

[holtge]

Very sorry to hear this. R.I.P. Mr. Berry. You will be missed.

 

[Carabimero]

I never saw him in something that I didn't like him in. But my favorite of his many roles was MAYBERRY RFD. No one could have replaced Andy Griffith, but Mr. Berry did better than anyone else probably would have. RIP.

 

[Doug Wallen]

My first exposure to him was in F-Troop, he was so funny as the befuddled Captain. I then saw him on Mayberry RFD. Both excellent comedies.

 

[Susan Nunes_329977]

NYT obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/02/obituaries/ken-berry-dies-at-85.html


I always thought F Troop was "his" show. Superior physical comic. Rarely was his considerable talents used to his best advantage.

 

[KPmusmag]

An outstanding musical talent as well; sang and danced in many TV specials with Julie Andrews, Mitzi Gaynor, Carol Burnett and more, also had several specials of his own.

 

[borisfw]

Loved F Troop when i was a kid. Revisit the episodes off and on. Berry was excellent in the show. I was also a fan of Mayberry RFD. Very good comedic actor. He will be missed .

 

[Harry-N]

Looking through his IMDb list, I was surprised to see him listed in two episodes of 12 O'CLOCK HIGH. I'll have to dig those out.

 

[JQuintana]

R.I.P.

I recently saw the episode of the Brady Bunch that was used to try to create a new series similar to the BB for Ken. Never took off though.

 

[rmw650]

A very talented and good decent man who brought many of us great joys and laughter and wonderful skills throughout the years, especially his knockout role in Mama's Family. Now we possibly could see the release of the remaining two seasons of RFD onto DVD as a result of this, just like how Mork and Mindy Season 4 got released due to the death of Robin Williams a few years ago and brought that show to completion.