Robert Rockwell dies at 82

[Brett Ferino]

MALIBU, Calif. - Robert Rockwell, who played dozens of television roles including Philip Boynton, the shy biology teacher and love interest for Eve Arden in the 1950s sitcom "Our Miss Brooks," has died at age 82, his family said Monday.

Rockwell, who had cancer, died Saturday surrounded by relatives at his Malibu home, according to his wife, Elizabeth.

He is the second cast member from "Our Miss Brooks" to die this month. Richard Crenna, who played the squeaky-voiced student Walter Denton, died Jan. 17.

"Our Miss Brooks," which began as a radio sitcom, was the most celebrated role of Rockwell's career. He was part of dozens of radio programs and appeared in more than 350 television shows spanning 50 years.

Among them were sitcoms "Growing Pains" and "Diff'rent Strokes," daytime series "Search for Tomorrow" and "Days of Our Lives," and westerns, including his own series, "Man From Blackhawk."

He guest-starred on "The Lone Ranger," "The Loretta Young Show," "Perry Mason," "Lassie," "Newhart" and "Beverly Hills 90210," and performed in scores of commercials.

Rockwell also acted in more than 30 films, including "War of the Worlds."

[Penny Lane]

Thanks Brett for letting us know! I hadn't heard that! I remember him well! RIP