Conrad Janis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Conrad Janis
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In the trailer for The Brasher Doubloon (1947)
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| Born | February 11, 1928 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | March 1, 2022 (aged 94) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1945–2012 |
| Spouse(s) |
Vicki Quarles
(m. 1948; div. 1957)Ronda Copland
(m. 1979; div. 1983)Maria Grimm
(m. 1987; died 2021) |
| Children | 2 |
Conrad Janis (born February 11, 1928 – died March 1, 2022) was a talented American actor and jazz musician. He was best known for playing Frederick, the father of Mindy McConnell, in the popular TV show Mork & Mindy. He also appeared in many other TV shows and movies, showing his skills as an actor for over 60 years.
Early Life
Conrad Janis was born in Manhattan, New York City, on February 11, 1928. His father, Sidney Janis, was a well-known art dealer and writer. His mother, Harriet, was also a writer. Conrad had one brother named Carroll.
When he was just 13 years old, Conrad got his first acting job with a traveling theater group. He spent two years performing with them. During this time, he also started doing voice work for radio shows.
Acting Career
Conrad Janis began his acting career on Broadway in March 1945, in a play called Dark of the Moon. A talent scout from Hollywood saw him there and helped him get into movies. Later that same year, he made his first film appearance in Snafu. He also acted in films like Margie (1946) and the detective movie The Brasher Doubloon (1947).
Over the years, Conrad appeared in many popular TV shows. In 1953, he played the oldest son, Edward, in the sitcom Bonino. He also had guest roles in classic shows like Get Smart, where he played a secret agent. Fans might remember him as the dance marathon host in an episode of The Golden Girls.
One of his most famous roles was Frederick McConnell in Mork & Mindy. He appeared in 53 episodes of this funny sci-fi sitcom, which ran from 1978 to 1982. He also acted in other well-known sitcoms such as Maude and Frasier. In movies, he was seen in The Buddy Holly Story and the comedy The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox. He even made a brief appearance as himself in the jazz bar scene of the movie Nothing in Common.
Music Passion
Besides acting, Conrad Janis was a very talented jazz trombonist. He loved traditional jazz music. In 1949, he put together his own jazz band with musicians he admired, including James P. Johnson on piano and Baby Dodds on drums.
In the late 1970s, he formed another band called the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band. This band became quite famous, performing many times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. They even had eight sold-out shows at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City, which is a big achievement for any musician!
His Family Life
Conrad Janis was married three times. He had two children, Christopher and Carin, from his first marriage to Vicki Quarles. His third marriage was to Maria Grimm in 1987. They were together until Maria passed away in September 2021.
Conrad Janis died on March 1, 2022, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 94. He left behind a legacy as a versatile actor and a dedicated jazz musician.
See also
In Spanish: Conrad Janis para niños
