Sidney Miller, 87; Prolific Actor, Director, Songwriter

Sidney Miller, 87, an actor, director and songwriter known for his touch with comedy and work with Donald O’Connor, died Jan. 10 in Los Angeles after a two-year bout with Parkinson’s disease.

Beginning as a child and juvenile actor, Miller appeared in about 100 films, most notably with Mickey Rooney in 1938’s “Boys Town,” which won an Oscar for Spencer Tracy as Father Flanagan, and the movie’s sequel, “The Men of Boys Town.” He had an important supporting role as “Slow-Burn” in Billy Crystal’s 1988 film “Memories of Me.” He also voiced several cartoon characters for children’s television programs.

As a director, Miller guided episodes of such television series as “The Ann Sothern Show,” “The Real McCoys,” “My Favorite Martian,” “The Addams Family,” “Get Smart,” Marlo Thomas’ “That Girl,” and “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Miller was comedy consultant, writer and sketch director for “The Donnie and Marie Osmond Show.” He memorably appeared as a drunk on episodes of “Dragnet” and wrote the song “Foggy Night in San Francisco” for the Jack Webb series.

Miller first paired with O’Connor for comedy sketches on the early 1950s television variety show “Colgate Comedy Hour,” and nearly two decades later produced “The Donald O’Connor Show.”

He remained O’Connor’s longtime partner, writing songs and sketches for the star’s musical motion pictures and television specials.