Conrad Janis

The multi-talented Conrad Janis was mostly known for his acting and theater work, but was also a respected jazz trombonist. Janis began acting in motion pictures in the mid 1940s ("Snafu," "Beyond Glory"), before acting primarily in television throughout the 1950s ("Bonino," "Appointment with Adventure"). Janis continued with bit parts on television ("The Untouchables," "Get Smart," "Baretta," "Happy Days") in the ensuing decades, before landing the role that he is best known for, as Frederick McConnell in "Mork & Mindy," which ran from 1978 through 1982, and served as Robin Williams's breakthrough vehicle.

Post-"Mork & Mindy," Janis returned to brief spots on television programs ("The Golden Girls," "Highway to Heaven," "Diagnosis Murder," "Frasier"), as well as sporadic movie appearances ("Mr. Saturday Night," "The Gods Must Be Crazy IV," "The Cable Guy," "Bad Blood... the Hunger"). Conrad Janis died March 1, 2022 at the age of 94.