The Dan Frazer Centennial

Dan Frazer (1921-2011) was probably best known for playing cop characters, especially Capt. Frank McNeil on Kojak (1973-78), as well as roles in movies like Fuzz (1972), The Stoolie (1973), Cleopatra Jones (1973), and The Super Cops (1974). He’s also known for appearing in the Woody Allen comedies Take the Money and Run (1969), Bananas (1971) and Deconstructing Harry (1997).

Frazer’s crusty New York persona was an outgrowth of his Hell’s Kitchen origins. He started out in local neighborhood Federal Theater productions, breaking into television in 1950. In his early years he was especially associated with Nat Hiken show like You’ll Never Get RichandCar 54, Where Are You?, both of which he appeared on multiple times. Earlier films included Lilies of the Field (1963) and Lord Love a Duck (1966).

Frazer never retired. 90 at the time of his death. He’d have been 100 today.