Well-known character actor and comedian David L. Lander died due to complications from multiple sclerosis he had been fighting for years, on December 4, 2020. The actor, best known, for his role as ‘Squiggy’ on ABC’s sitcom ‘Laverne & Shirley,’ passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California; he was 73.
According to news obtained by Associated Press, his wife, daughter, and son-in-law were with him until the last minute. His wife, Kathy Fields Lander, who is also an actor said in a written statement:
“It was very peaceful. He had a tough battle with MS for 37 years and he persevered like no one I have ever seen, and it taught me a great deal about the important things of life.”
David Lander, who last appeared on ‘Goldie & Bear,’ had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which damages the brain and spinal cord, on May 15, 1984. The actor made his medical condition public in 1999, and became the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
What’s more, in 2002, Lander published the book ‘Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn’t Tell Nobody’ he had written with actor Lee Montgomery.
In 2007 Lander, who appeared in 120 movies and television series throughout his acting career, opened up about his disease during an interview with Brain & Life Magazine:
“My doctor painted a fairly bleak picture of the disease, even going so far as to tell me I probably wouldn’t walk again. Whatever happens, MS can’t take it all. I will always have my heart and soul, my wit and wisdom. Wherever the chips may fall, if I fall with them I will make it a point to do so gracefully, and laughing.”
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