Portrayed iconic characters in TV and film, including the lovable but gruff Mel Sharples in the sitcom "Alice." He brought memorable characters to life with his unique blend of humor and grit.
Vic Tayback, an American actor, shot to fame with his memorable portrayal of Mel Sharples, the charming and rugged diner owner, in the hit television sitcom Alice (1976-1985). This iconic role not only earned him two consecutive Golden Globe Awards but also cemented his place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Tayback was born on January 6, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Syrian immigrant parents, Helen (née Hanood) and Najeeb James Tayback. His family later moved to Burbank, California, where he attended Burbank High School and graduated in 1947.
After serving in the United States Navy, Tayback began his acting career at the age of 25. A lifetime member of the prestigious Actors Studio, he quickly became a familiar face on television, appearing in numerous series throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Tayback's extensive television credits include appearances on popular shows such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Star Trek, Bonanza, Here Come the Brides, That Girl, Gunsmoke, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Partridge Family, All in the Family, Fantasy Island, and Columbo.
In addition to his television work, Tayback appeared in several notable films, including Bullitt (1968), Papillon (1973), The Gambler (1974), The Cheap Detective (1978), and All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989).
Tayback's exceptional performance as Mel Sharples earned him two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series (1977-1978). He also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Tayback was the co-founder of the theater troupe Company of Angels and appeared in over 25 stage productions, including Twelve Angry Men, The Diary of Anne Frank, Death of a Salesman, and Brighton Beach Memoirs.
Vic Tayback passed away on May 25, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that continue to entertain audiences to this day.
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