Veteran actor, David Langston Smyrl died earlier this week due to lung cancer at the age of 80. Smyrl, remembered best for his role as Mr. Handford, the loving owner of Hooper’s Store on Sesame Street died on Tuesday (March 22) at a Pennsylvania hospital. Smyrl also appeared on a handful of Cosby Show episodes as contractor Sam Lucas.

Photo: sitcomsonline
Photo: sitcomsonline

The Philadelphia native earned his first job in television on Express Yourself, in 1970’s New York. By the end of the decade, he appeared in the Broadway musical Working. A little later, Smyrl wrote for the sitcom Benson where he received a People Choice Award. He went on to star in more film and TV roles including The Preacher’s Wife.

From 1990-1998, Smyrl starred as Hanford the singing, happy-go-lucky, charming retired firefighter. He was the second character to portray Hanford after actor Leonard Jackson.

Smyrl leaves behind a wife, Cheryl and a stepson. His wife told the Associated Press that he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

“He was funny,” Cheryl Smyrl said. “I could say so many good things about him. He was loved by so many people. He was a mentor to a lot of children. He was a family man, loyal, true and faithful.”

Smyrl’s funeral is on Monday.

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