NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- Barney Martin, a former police detective who became an actor and wound up as Jerry Seinfeld's dad on the "Seinfeld" sitcom, has died. He was 82.
Martin died Monday of cancer at his home in Studio City, Calif., WABC-TV said.
Martin was a New York City police detective who got his show business start writing on the side in the 1950s for "Name That Tune" and "The Steve Allen Show."
He began acting in the 1960s, and Mel Brooks cast him in the "The Producers" in 1968. In 1981, he played Liza Minnelli's father in "Arthur."
Martin also appeared several times on Broadway, including the role of Roxie Hart's husband, Amos, in the original production of the Bob Fosse musical "Chicago," in 1975. Martin introduced the song "Mr. Cellophane."
Martin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Catherine; a son, Donald; two grandsons and two great-grandsons.
