Herb Edelman was a versatile and talented actor who appeared in many stage, film and television productions. He was best known for his role as Stanley Zbornak, the ex-husband of Dorothy Zbornak (played by Bea Arthur) on the popular sitcom The Golden Girls. He also had a recurring role as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the medical drama St. Elsewhere. He was nominated twice for an Emmy Award for his television work.
But how did Herb Edelman die? What was the cause of his death? In this article, we will explore the life and career of Herb Edelman, as well as the circumstances of his passing.
Early Life and Career
Herb Edelman was born on November 5, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of a Polish Jewish immigrant father and a Russian Jewish immigrant mother. He grew up in a poor neighborhood and attended Brooklyn College. He initially wanted to become a veterinarian, but he dropped out of Cornell University after his first year. He then served in the United States Army as an announcer for Armed Forces Radio during the Korean War.
After returning from the army, he worked as a hotel manager and a taxi driver. One of his passengers was director Mike Nichols, who cast him in his breakthrough Broadway role as the telephone repairman in Neil Simon’s comedy Barefoot in the Park in 1963. He reprised his role in the 1967 film version, starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.
He continued to work with Neil Simon, appearing as Murray the Cop in the film adaptation of The Odd Couple in 1968, and in California Suite in 1978. He also had roles in other films, such as The Way We Were (1973), The Sting II (1983), and Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989).
Television Fame
Herb Edelman’s television career spanned over three decades, from the 1960s to the 1990s. He appeared in more than 50 television shows, either as a co-star, a recurring character, or a guest star. Some of his notable shows include That Girl, Love, American Style, The Streets of San Francisco, Maude, Cannon, Happy Days, Welcome Back, Kotter, Kojak, Fantasy Island, Cagney & Lacey, and MacGyver.
He also starred in some shows as a lead or regular character. He played Bert Gramus on The Good Guys from 1968 to 1970, John Martin on Big John, Little John from 1976 to 1977, Howard Miller on 9 to 5 from 1982 to 1983, and Dr. Wayne Fiscus on St. Elsewhere from 1984 to 1988.
However, his most memorable role was as Stanley Zbornak on The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992. He played the sleazy and selfish ex-husband of Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), who often tried to win her back or get money from her. He appeared in 26 episodes of the show and was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 1987 and 1988.
Personal Life and Death
Herb Edelman was married to actress Louise Sorel from 1964 to 1970. They had two children together: Briana Edelman and Jacy Edelman. He also had a long-term relationship with actress Christina Pickles from 1984 to 1996.
Herb Edelman died on July 21, 1996, at the age of 62. The cause of his death was emphysema, a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. He had been suffering from the condition for several years and had been hospitalized several times before his death.
He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea. He is survived by his two children and his partner Christina Pickles.
Herb Edelman was a talented actor who brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers with his comedic skills and charming personality. He will always be remembered as one of the golden stars of television history.
