Al Molinaro obituary

American actor best known for roles in Happy Days and The Odd Couple

In what is now considered one of the classic entrances in American television comedy, the nose of Murray the Cop, making his debut as a character on The Odd Couple in 1975, appeared in a doorway for a reaction shot before the actor followed. That nose belonged to Al Molinaro, who has died aged 96.

The Odd Couple had been created by Garry Marshall, whose other hit show was the nostalgic comedy Happy Days. Marshall’s sister, the actor and director Penny, had taken acting classes with Molinaro, and recommended him to her brother.