Phil Leeds

Acting Appreciation

Born on April 6, 1916, in New York City, Phil Leeds was an American actor best known for his work in film and TV. Raised in the Bronx, he was a peanut vendor near Yankee Stadium and Manhattan's Polo Grounds. After serving in the military during WWII, he began his career as a stand-up comedian. 

Leeds transitioned to acting in the 1950s and appeared in several sitcoms such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, Car 54, Where Are You?, The Patty Duke Show, Three's Company, Night Court, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Ally McBeal. He also appeared in several films in memorable roles such as the emergency room ghost in Ghost (1990).

Interestingly, Leeds was blacklisted during the McCarthy era -- a period where left-wing individuals were politically repressed and persecuted. When he appeared and questioned by the U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee, Leeds pleaded the fifth.  

He passed away on August 16, 1998 at the age of 82. He was such a beloved character actor that an episode of Ally McBeal featured footage of Leeds prior appearances on the show. 

Friends (1996)

Suddenly Susan (1998)

Source:

Wikipedia