MSN: Ken Berry, who is best known for his roles in the classic TV shows Mama’s Family and F-Troop, died Saturday. He was 85.
Berry’s ex-wife Jackie Joseph-Lawrence announced the news of his death on Facebook saying, “With very deep sorrow, I must inform friends of Ken Berry that he died a short time ago.” No further details about his death were given.
Born in Illinois November 3, 1933, Berry showed an interest in singing and dancing at a young age. When he was 15 years old, he toured with a tap dancing ensemble. After high school, he went on to join the army where he served under pre-Star Trek Sergeant Leonard Nimoy. He would continue to perform in talent contests and a competition to appear on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town where he placed third and appeared on television.
Berry is known for role as Vinton in classic TV shows such as Vicki Lawrence’s Mama’s Family, which ran for two seasons. He also starred as Sam Jones in The Andy Griffith Show spinoff Mayberry R.F.D. But it was his role as Captain Parmenter in ABC’s F Troop that was his claim to fame. The show only aired two seasons from 1965-1967. MORE
h/t Reiuxcat
RIP Ken. Larry Storch is still alive, last of the four main characters.
Mayberry R.I.P. Sincerely,,
RIP, a very funny entertainer.
More and more of my childhood keeps walking over the horizon.
R.I.P. Ken.
I just watch a video about the cast of F-Troop just a few days ago.
Capt. Parmenter failed his map folding course at West Point!
F-Troop – “Where paleface and redface both turn chicken”
Great show thanks for the laughs…
RIP Ken Berry.
Bought the F Troop video just last week. Very funny but could not be telecast today. We have lost so much freedom.
One of my favorite shows from the mid-1960s, when I used to watch a lot of TV. RIP Mr. Berry. I may be mistaken, but I think the joke about the “Heckawi” Indian tribe was from that series….an inept Indian band that was always getting lost, and always saying “Where the Heck Are We?”
Rest in Peace Ken.
Fond childhood memories of F-Troop. Rest in peace, Mr. Berry.
HOVERFIST
Childhood? I had 2 kids when WE watched F Troop!
Childhood indeed!
Did anyone see him in the episode about the talent contest on Mama’s family?
Man, could he dance!
Loved watching him in F-Troop.
RIP
Enjoyed his work.