Karl Lukas

May 2024 · 4 minute read

Actor Karl Lukas, who enjoyed a long and distinguished career in film and television but is perhaps best known for his performance in “Mister Roberts” with Henry Fonda on Broadway, died Jan. 16 in Agoura Hills, Calif. He was 75.

On Broadway, Lukas gave a memorable performance in Joshua Logan’s production of “Mister Roberts” (1948), playing Lindstrom. He also played Edward Miller in “Remains to Be Seen” with Jackie Cooper (1951).

Lukas’ career spanned some 40 years, starting at the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Va., where he appeared in many productions, including “Much Ado About Nothing.”

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TV credits included recurring roles on “St. Elsewhere,” “Family Affair” and “Shane.” He also appeared in “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Playhouse 90,” “Climax,” “Then Came Bronson,” “Cannon,” “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Untouchables,” “Ben Casey” and “Hennesey,” among many others.

In film, he appeared in “Blazing Saddles,” “Oklahoma Crude,” “Tora! Tora! Tora!,” “Emperor of the North,” “There Was a Crooked Man,” “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” “Tall Story,” “Onion Head,” “Hustle,” “Under Fire” and “Reds.”

Lukas was a member of SAG, AFTRA and Actors’ Equity.

Survived by his wife of 40 years, Stephanie; a son; a daughter; a brother; and a grandson.

Family requests donations to the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

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