Larry Storch in “F Troop.”
Larry Storch, best known for playing the dim but loveable Cpl. Randolph Agarn on the 1960s sitcom “F Troop,” has died at the age of 99.
A message posted today on his Facebook page reads, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with you the news our beloved Larry passed away in his sleep overnight. We are shocked and at a loss for words at the moment. Please remember he loved each and every one of you and wouldn’t want you to cry over his passing. He is reunited with his wife Norma and his beloved F Troop cast and so many friends and family.”
A New York native, Storch served in the Navy in World War II and later became an actor as comedian. In addition to his work in “F Troop” as Agarn (a character who hailed from Passaic), Storch made appearances in classic TV shows such as “Gilligan’s Island,” “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Laugh-In.”
He acted in movies such as “The Great Race,” “The Great Train Robbery” and “S.O.B.,” and appeared as himself in the raunchy “The Aristocrats.” His Broadway credits included “Sly Fox,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
He was nominated for an Emmy, for “F Troop,” but lost to his childhood friend, Don Adams of “Get Smart.”
Storch was named an honorary citizen of Passaic in 2016. “I think because of you, Passaic is mentioned all over the world,” Passaic mayor Alex D. Blanco said at the time.
Storch was also named honorary Mayor for a Day of Fort Lee in 2014. The Wild West City theme park in Stanhope has a Larry Storch’s Silver Dollar Saloon in his honor, and he made what was billed as his last public appearance there, in 2021.
The Jersey-based band The Smithereens posted today on Facebook, “The Smithereens are saddened to learn that beloved actor and comedian Larry Storch has passed away on his 99-1/2th birthday, born January 8, 1923. The Smithereens had been asked by his people to play his 100th birthday party next year.”
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