Greg Lewis (April 21, 1935 - September 18, 2023) was an American actor, comedian, musician, and writer, known for his appearances in the films Logan's Run (1976), The Running Man (1987), Frankie and Johnny (1991), K-PAX (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004).
Greg appeared as the Old Codger at the end of the Season 5 episode of Married... with Children titled "The Unnatural". He also appeared on the MWC spin-off, Top of the Heap as Gil Gilbert, a member of Rolling Hills Country Club who becomes upset with Vincent "Vinnie" Verducci in the second episode, "The Agony and the Agony".
Early Life[]
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Lewis was the son of Greek immigrant parents. His father ran a restaurant, but knowing that he would likely inherit the restaurant and could end working there for the rest of his life, he chose to find a different career path. Proud of being a first generation American, he chose to serve in the United States Air Force.
Career[]
Music[]
Prior to acting, at the age of 16, he began playing professionally in the Harmonica Rascals and Harmonicats.
Stand up Comedy[]
He began his comedy career with Gus Christy, where they were known as the "Mad Greeks of Comedy". They eventually parted ways, and he continued his career as a standup comic playing the Pocono circuit, the cat skills the Playboy clubs Las Vegas, and more.
Film[]
Some of his appearances include Cubb in Logan's Run, the locker room manager in The Running Man, Tino the cook in Frankie and Johnny, a bank manager in For Better or Worse (1995), a junkyard dealer in Larger Than Life, and Baron Siegfried von Troken in The Princess Diaries and the sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
Television[]
Greg also has made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, particularly sitcoms such as The Bob Newhart Show, Laverna and Shirley, Desperate Housewives, Who's The Boss?, Night Court, The Gilmore Girls, and How I Met Your Mother to name a few.
Commercials[]
One of his more well known commercial appearances was in a 1988 ad for Circuit City, where he says "I could’ve got a better TV for less" upon seeing the selection of televisions at the store.
Theater[]
He had written and/or performed in various plays. He wrote and performed in his one man show Some Greeks are Not in the Restaurant Business, which was an autobiographical play that showcased his career as well as his relationship with his Greek father.[1]
Death[]
Lewis passed away on September 18, 2023 at his home in Chatsworth, (Los Angeles), California, due to heart failure.[2] A funeral was held for him on October 6, 2023 at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth.
He was preceded in death by by his sons Montgomery Alexi Lewis and Gregory Victor Lewis.
He is survived by his wife Roberta Lewis, daughter Anastasia Lewis Sweetman, granddaughter Ayla Dixon, grandson Victor Lewis, sister Angeline Tangalos, son-in-law Jon Sweetman, and grandson, in law Nathaniel Dixon.
External links[]
Greg Lewis at the Internet Movie Database- Obituary - Gregory Thomas Lewis
- Greg Lewis' Demo Reel
- Greg Lewis-SOME GREEKS ARE NOT IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS
- Circuit City ad, 1988
