Actor Conrad Janis, who starred on “Mork & Mindy” alongside Robin Williams, has passed away at the age of 94 in Los Angeles, California on March 1, 2022. His death was confirmed by his business manager, Dean A. Avedon, according to the New York Times.
He was born on Feb. 11, 1928, in New York City, New York to art dealer Sidney Janis. The actor/director became a renowned jazz trombone player in the 1950s. He played in “The Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band” alongside George Segal. They made several appearances on the “Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
Janis was married three times in his life. His first marriage was to Vicki Quarles on May 20, 1948. They divorced in June 1957 with two children. On April 22, 1979, he married Ronda Copland. They divorced on Feb. 11, 1983. His last marriage was to Maria Grimm on Nov. 30, 1987. In September 2021 she passed away, ending their marriage.
His career began when he was a teenager. At that time he worked in stage productions and on the radio. Janis’s film debut was in the 1945s “Snafu.” Afterward, he became a pioneer of early TV. His resume includes notable guest spots on “Get Smart,” “My Favorite Martian” and a small role in “Airport 1975.”
For the entire four seasons of “Mork & Mindy,” Janis played a music store owner and the father of Pam Dawber’s character, Mindy. Later on, he held roles “St. Elsewhere,” “The Golden Girls,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Frasier,” “Oh God! Book II” and “The Cable Guy.”
Many of his colleagues and fans took to social media to pay their respects. He is survived by his children, family, and friends. May he rest in peace.
Written by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The New York Times: Conrad Janis, Father on ‘Mork & Mindy’ and Much More, Dies at 94; by Neil Genzlinger
IMDb: Conrad Janis
Legacy: Conrad Janis (1928–2022), Mindy’s dad on “Mork & Mindy”; by Linnea Crowther
New York Post: Conrad Janis, ‘Mork & Mindy’ star and trombone legend, dead at 94; by Ben Cost
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