Veteran character actor Steve Franken dies

LOS ANGELES -- The wife of Steve Franken says the veteran film and television actor has died.

Jean Franken says her husband, who starred in the 1960s TV series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" and as the drunken waiter in the film "The Party," died Aug. 24 after battling cancer.

The 80-year-old appeared in dozens of roles, ranging from guest appearances in TV series "Bewitched" and "Seinfeld" to film roles in "Nurse Betty" and 2009's "Angels and Demons." He was also a stage actor.

A public memorial is scheduled for Sept. 22 at Theatre West in Los Angeles.

Jean Franken says her husband never stopped working and loved acting.

Born in Queens in May 1932, Franken remained in Los Angeles throughout his career. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

-- AP