Actor Steve Franken dead at 80

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NEW YORK, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Character actor Steve Franken, best known for his work on TV's "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," has died of cancer in Los Angeles, his family said. He was 80.

Franken's wife, Jean, confirmed his Aug. 24 death to The New York Times. The type of cancer he suffered was not specified.

The New York-born actor's film credits include "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu," "Which Way to the Front?," "Hardly Working," "The Missouri Breaks," "The Party" and "The Americanization of Emily." He was a frequent guest on TV shows such as "Bewitched," "Love, American Style," "Mission: Impossible" and "Seinfeld."

Franken is survived by his wife and their daughter, Anne; two daughters from his marriage to ex-wife Julia Carter -- Emily Franken and Abigail Glass -- and two grandchildren, the Times said Wednesday.