Robert Simon; Specialized in Character Roles

Robert F. Simon, a Broadway, film and television actor whose career dated to the Depression and the Cleveland Playhouse but who is better known nationally for his recurring roles on such TV series as “MASH” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” has died of a heart attack.

A family spokesman said Simon was 83 when he died Sunday in Tarzana.

Simon--who was a stage manager and an actor on Broadway--made his first New York acting appearance in Clifford Odets’ “Clash by Night” and was seen in several other Odets plays, including “The Russian People.”

Through his affiliation with the Actor’s Studio, he became acquainted with Arthur Miller, who made him stage manager for the playwright’s “All My Sons.” He later became the featured actor in Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” playing Willy Loman shortly after Lee J. Cobb had created the role.

Simon moved to Los Angeles in 1954 and appeared in character roles in films and television before retiring about 10 years ago.

He usually portrayed policemen, military officers or other authority figures, appearing in such feature films as “Compulsion,” “Captain Newman, M.D.” and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.”

Besides portraying Gen. Mitchell in the 1973-74 seasons of “MASH” he was Uncle Everett on “Nancy,” a 1970-71 comedy series and Dave Tabak in the 1962-63 newspaper drama “Saints and Sinners.” He had frequent guest roles on “Playhouse 90,” “The Twilight Zone” and “Quincy.”

He is survived by two daughters, two sons and three grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.