Gary Friedkin, 'Happy Days,' 'Star Wars' actor, dies at age 70
YOUNGSTOWN (WJW) -- Actor Gary Friedkin, known for his roles in such shows as "Happy Days" and "Young Doctors in Love," died from COVID-19 complications Friday in an Ohio hospice. He was 70. According to an obituary by the Warren Tribune Chronicle, Friedkin had been hospitalized for 3 1/2 weeks before his death. It says he died peacefully with his brother and sister-in-law by his side.
According to the obituary, he was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from The Rayen School. He was trained at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and started his acting career, which also featured a role as an Ewok in the "Star Wars" trilogy.
The obituary went on to say, "While Gary may have been short of stature, he was a giant amongst his family and friends. His legacy will live on as stories are told and retold for years to come by all who loved him."