TV actor Tom Bosley dead at 83

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Television actor Tom Bosley has died after a brief battle with lung cancer in Rancho Mirage, Calif., his family confirmed Tuesday. He was 83.

The Chicago native is best known for his work on "Happy Days," "Murder, She Wrote" and "Father Dowling Mysteries," as well as in the Broadway productions of "Fiorello!" and "Beauty & the Beast." His film credits include "Love With a Proper Stranger."

"We were a make-believe family for 10 years, and like a real family for over 30. He will be so, so missed," Bosley's former "Happy Days" co-star Henry Winkler told E! News.

"Mr. Tom Bosley will be missed by many. He was a great actor, teacher and man," Scott Baio, who also appeared on the sitcom, said via Twitter.

Bosley is survived by his wife Patricia Bosley; his brother Richard Bosley; his daughter Amy Baer; stepdaughters Kimberly diBonaventura and Jamie Van Meter; and seven grandchildren.