R.I.P. Charles Lane at 102

[David Paleg]

Character Actor Charles Lane Dies at 102
Jul 10, 4:47 PM (ET)
By BOB THOMAS

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) - Charles Lane, the prolific character actor whose name was little known, but whose bespectacled face and crotchety persona made him instantly recognizable to generations of movie-goers, has died, his son said Tuesday. He was 102.

The actor's son, Tom Lane, said he was talking with his father Monday evening. "He was lying in bed with his eyes real wide open," the younger Lane said. "Then he closed his eyes and stopped breathing."

Lane, whose career spanned more than 60 years, appeared in such film classics as "It's a Wonderful Life,""Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Twentieth Century."

He also had a recurring role as the scheming railroad man, Homer Beadle, on the 1960s TV sitcom "Petticoat Junction" and appeared often on television's "I Love Lucy."

Iwon/AP News

[jag]

My word...I remember him from so many roles he did. It embarrasses me to say that I thought he'd left long ago!

[amayo]

I believe he was honored on the TV Land awards last year. He actually gave a short thank you speech, and was wonderful!