Dick Yarmy, 59; Veteran Film and Stage Actor and Director

Dick Yarmy, a veteran film and stage actor and director whose lengthiest exposure came via the old “George and Marge” TV commercials for Union Oil, died at a Studio City hospital Tuesday after a long struggle with lung cancer. The comic and sportsman was 59.

A native of New York City, he was an engineering graduate of New York University who began attending acting classes “to meet girls.” After meeting his future wife, the actress Alice Borden, he became interested in drama and landed a role in a road company of “The Odd Couple.” It was in that same play that he made his final performances last year.

Comic Tim Conway, who also appeared in the play, said Yarmy “was a comfort to be with on stage (and) a terror to be with at the (race) track.” With such other comics as Dick Van Patten, Don Knotts, Howard Morris, Pat Harrington, Gary Owens and Tom Poston, Conway had been a regular visitor through Yarmy’s final illness.

After appearing for a few years on the New York stage, Yarmy came to Los Angeles and appeared on such TV shows as “Mork and Mindy,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “That Girl” and “Get Smart,” which starred his older brother, Don Adams. He also appeared in pictures and TV feature films.

Besides his wife, Yarmy is survived by a daughter, Claudia, his brother and a sister, Gloria Burton.

A memorial service is scheduled Monday at 4 p.m. at Theatre West in Hollywood, where Yarmy directed many plays. It is requested that any donations be made to the Actors’ Fund.