Lew Parker (born Austin Lewis Jacobs,[1] October 29, 1907 – October 27, 1972) was an American television, stage and musical theatre actor. His most notable role was as Lew Marie, the arrogant, but doting, father of Marlo Thomas's character, Ann Marie, on the 1960s television series That Girl.[2]
Early years
Parker was born in Brooklyn[2] and was the son of Lewis Jacobs, who performed in vaudeville.[3]
Acting
Parker appeared on one episode of the television series Gidget in 1966 as Mr. Socrates, the crusty proprietor of The Shaggy Dog, a hamburger restaurant that was a hangout for teenagers.[citation needed] Parker appeared in the television series F Troop in 1966, "The Ballot of Corporal Agarn" as George C Bragan. Parker's character is a mayoral candidate from Corporal Agarn's hometown in New Jersey, and he travels West to get Corporal Agarn's vote since the election was tied and Agarn's absentee ballot is needed to break the tie.
Parker's Broadway credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1972), Mr. Wonderful (1956), Ankles Aweigh (1955), The Front Page (1946), Are You With It? (1945), Red, Hot and Blue (1936), Girl Crazy (1930), Heads Up (1929), Spring is Here (1929), and Rainbow (1928).[4]
Personal life/death
In 1955, Parker married actress Betty Kean.[3] They remained together until Parker's death from cancer in New York City on October 27, 1972.[5] Betty Kean died on September 29, 1986, also from cancer.[6]