Molinaro's character owned the diner Arnold's, then Al's, on the show. He was a regular cast member from seasons four through nine.

He was born to Italian parents in Wisconsin on June 24, 1919, according to The New York Times.

He was a difficult high school student who worked his way to Hollywood in the 50s.

He appeared in sitcoms in the 60s and 70s and eventually met Robin Williams in improv class. Molinaro suggested Williams as a fill-in for an alien role on short notice for a "Happy Days" episode titled My Favorite Orkan.

The episode and alien role was a huge success, leading to the creation of a show called "Mork & Mindy" that ran from the late 70s to early 80s.

He is survived by his son, his second wife and three grandchildren, according to the Times.

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Mathew Palmer, a former Delta Air Lines employee, at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.  Palmer was fired less than two weeks after writing a post on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Natrice Miller/AJC)