David Lander, the actor who played Squiggy in the long-running sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," died Friday, according to multiple reports. He was 73.Lander died of complications from multiple sclerosis, which he had battled for 37 years, Variety reported Saturday. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1999 and worked closely with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, according to Variety.Lander played Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman over eight seasons of "Laverne & Shirley" from 1976-83, starring opposite his longtime friend Michael McKean, who played Lenny. McKean shared a tweet Saturday in remembrance of Lander, who he started working with when they both attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Lander later became known for speaking at conventions, fundraisers and galas where he advocated for others who live with multiple sclerosis."My doctor painted a fairly bleak picture of the disease, even going so far as to tell me I probably wouldn't walk again," Lander said during an interview in Brain & Life Magazine. "Whatever happens, MS can't take it all. I will always have my heart and soul, my wit and wisdom. Wherever the chips may fall, if I fall with them I will make it a point to do so gracefully — and laughing."The actor leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Kathy Lander, and 37-year-old daughter Natalie Lander.
David Lander, the actor who played Squiggy in the long-running sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," died Friday, according to multiple reports. He was 73.
Lander died of complications from multiple sclerosis, which he had battled for 37 years, Variety reported Saturday. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1999 and worked closely with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, according to Variety.
Lander played Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman over eight seasons of "Laverne & Shirley" from 1976-83, starring opposite his longtime friend Michael McKean, who played Lenny.
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Michael McKean and David Lander are seen in a 1976 episode of "Laverne & Shirley."
McKean shared a tweet Saturday in remembrance of Lander, who he started working with when they both attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
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Lander later became known for speaking at conventions, fundraisers and galas where he advocated for others who live with multiple sclerosis.
"My doctor painted a fairly bleak picture of the disease, even going so far as to tell me I probably wouldn't walk again," Lander said during an interview in Brain & Life Magazine. "Whatever happens, MS can't take it all. I will always have my heart and soul, my wit and wisdom. Wherever the chips may fall, if I fall with them I will make it a point to do so gracefully — and laughing."
The actor leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Kathy Lander, and 37-year-old daughter Natalie Lander.