Charles Lane

[chopperguy]

Since I am new to this board, this may have been talked about many times. I just haven't seen the posts.

Charles Lane (who seemed old when this show was actually on) is still alive and 102 years old! I remember him on many sitcoms in the 60's, but as Mr. Finch on Dennis.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I read...about a year ago, that this man is the oldest living member of the Screen Actors Guild to this day.

[gilligan fanatic]

Yup, that is true. Forgot where I read it, but I know I did too.

[catlover79]

I love Charles Lane!! I wrote to him a couple of months ago, and got a reply! He signed and inscribed an index card to me. The handwriting looks shaky, so it's got to be him! God bless him. :D

[Be Right Back!]

Pardon the expression, it's an old expression to describe someone who approaches things as an everyday worker as a "workingman's" something or rather and in this case it's Charles Lane. I met him and talked with him for about 15 minutes at a donut shop in Canoga Park, California in 1980. My Mom worked there some weekends for extra spending money and I was in college here in Nebraska. Went out during the holidays in 1980. She had talked about all the fascinating actors and actresses who frequented the shop on the weekends including "that guy who always tried to cancel railroad service on Petticoat Junction." Yeah, that guy. I didn't know his name either but lo and behold he was sitting with three other gents (most probably actors or in the business) and I went right up and asked "Mr. Barnstahl can I shake your hand?" (he played that role on the old Lucy Show). He was more than gracious and just as down to earth as can be. About 2 years ago TVLand gave him an award. He was 100 years old and appeared in a wheelchair at the show. After he received his award they panned to someone else but you could hear him say "I'M AVAILABLE!" It was great fun seeing him and I hope he is enjoying some long overdue recognition. He's outstanding.

[AB]

A terrific actor, I believe he played on The Andy Griffith Show a couple of times.

[TV Knowledge Fan]

Last I saw of him, Lane was featured in a "Hefty" trash bag commercial, holding up the "better" bag to a young tough guy's "wimpy" bag.

He appeared in virtually all of the "big name" situation comedies during the '50s and '60s, usually in his "mean ol' grumpy man" mode {at least two apperances on "BEWITCHED" every season, virtually playing the same advertising client under different names}.

:tv:

[TV_on_the_Porch]

Oh, now, you have GOT to be mistaken about the Hefty commercial.

Can you point to a source?

[Mikado]

I was amazed to hear that that great old character actor was still alive, heck, he looked 70, 50 years ago!! :lol Someone should givre this man a lifetime acheivement award! :) :clapclap:

[Heidi Dawn]

Charles Lane passes away at the age of 102.

http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2007/07/10/4328761-ap.html

Rest in peace.

I thought Charles played a great villan, I'm referring to his recurring character on Petticoat Junction, he played Homer Bedlow, the owner of the CFW Railroad, it was alway funny to see Homer not get his way in the end.

[joefriday]

Rest in peace Mr. Finch!