Allan Melvin dead at 84

Allan Melvin has died from cancer at age 84, according to his wife of 64 years, Amalia.

During his five-decade career, Melvin made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including playing different roles on at least eight episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" and playing Dick Van Dyke's old Army buddy on "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

But he's best known to most for two roles he portrayed in 1970's sitcoms. Butcher Sam Franklin - Alice the housekeeper's boyfriend - on "The Brady Bunch"; and Archie Bunker's pal,Barney Hefner, on the hit "All in the Family" and then "Archie Bunker's Place."



Melvin, who appeared in only one movie - the 1968 Doris Day comedy "With Six You Get Eggroll" - also did voice-over work in cartoons, including providing the voices of Magilla Gorilla and Bluto on "Popeye."

He worked on numerous TV commercials as well, including playing Al the Plumber in the Liquid-Plumr commercials for 15 years.

Melvin retired from acting about 10 years ago - long after becoming a household face who was used to people spotting him in public and saying, "Hey, Henshaw" (His character on "The Phil Silvers Show") or "Hey, Sam the Butcher."

"I've enjoyed the stuff I've done," he told People magazine in 1996, "but the one you're getting paid for, that's what you enjoy most."

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Hanson; and a grandson.