One Day at a Time's Schneider, Pat Harrington Jr., Has Died
(© courtesy of Tresa Harrington's Facebook page)
Actor and writer Pat Harrington Jr., known for playing super Dwayne F. Schneider on the USA sitcom One Day at a Time, died December 6 in Los Angeles. Harrington, who appeared on Broadway twice during his career as well as in several touring and regional productions, was 86.
Pat Harrington Jr. was born Daniel Patrick Harrington, Jr. in Manhattan on August 13, 1929, the son of vaudevillian and Broadway performer Pat Harrington, Sr. He went on to receive both a bachelor of arts and a master's degree in political philosophy from Fordham University and served as an intelligence officer with the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
In the 1950s and '60s, Harrington began performing regularly as a screen actor and worked with Steve Allen's television comedy troupe, the "Men on the Street." His notable television and film credits from the period include a recurring role on The Danny Thomas Show, guest appearances on The Bing Crosby Show and Kentucky Jones, the 1963 film Move Over, Darling, and the 1967 film The President's Analyst.
Harrington appeared in his most recognizable role as building superintendent Dwayne Schneider on One Day at a Time from 1975-1985, for the full length of the show's run. In 1984, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance, for which he also garnered a 1980 Golden Globe. As a writer, Harrington also contributed twelve scripts to the series.
The actor went on to appear in comedies including Who's the Boss? (with his son, Michael Harrington) , A Garfield Christmas Special (as the voice of Dad), Murder, She Wrote, and most recently, a 2012 episode of Betty White's Hot in Cleveland.
Harrington made his first Broadway appearance as a child performer in 1939's Ladies and Gentlemen and went on to play the role of Walter Bagley in the short-lived play Happiness Is Just a Little Thing Called a Rolls Royce in 1968. His touring credits include Show Boat (1997-98), The Odd Couple (1987), and The Pajama Game (1987).
Harrington was married to Marjorie Ann Gortner from 1955 to 1985, when the couple divorced. He is survived by their four children, Michael Harrington, Patrick Harrington, Terry Harrington, and Tresa Harrington, as well as three grandchildren.
