Subscribe
NewsOne Featured Video
CLOSE

Ned Wertimer (pictured), who played that ever-greedy “Ralph the doorman” on the 70s/early 80s hit comedy “The Jeffersons,” moved on up to that “deluxe apartment in the sky.” The California-based character actor passed away on Jan. 2 at age 89 at a nursing facility from complications after a fall, E! Online reports.

SEE ALSO: Kim, Kanye Purchase $11 Million Mansion, Then Gut It

Wertimer first introduced the role of Ralph Hart on a 1975 episode of “All In The Family,” and  when “The Jefferson’s” show was spun off, he became a familiar staple, appearing 51 times over the program’s 12-year run.

Ralph was always good for a hearty chuckle on the show because whenever the Jeffersons needed something done, the lovable extortionist would rise to the occasion–as long as they would grease his palm with a few bucks, of course.

SEE ALSO: US Considers Total Afghan Withdrawal

The Buffalo, N.Y. native began his professional acting career on Broadway in productions such as “The Live Wire” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” Later, the Wharton School graduate and World War II vet moved on to film and television. Throughout his acting career, Wertimer managed to secure over 100 small screen acting credits on hit shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “WKRP in Cincinnati,” “Gunsmoke” and “Mork & Mindy.”

The veteran performer’s last acting role was in the 2007 film “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”

Wertimer is survived by his wife Skyne, a sister-in-law, a niece and three nephews.