Celebrity Mound

Actor Allan Melvin, best known for his role as Sam the Butcher on “The Brady Bunch,” died of cancer on Thursday at his home in Brentwood, Calif.

The character actor, who played a series of sidekicks including Archie Bunker’s friend Barney Hefner on “All in the Family,” and Sgt. Bilko’s right hand man Cpl. Henshaw on the “Phil Silvers Show,” was 84.

Allan was most famous for playing the lovable bowler boyfriend of the Brady Bunch’s housekeeper Alice, played by Ann B. Davis. In a December 1973 episode, the Bradys suspect that Alice and Sam may be eloping, but the rumor turns out to be pure bologna when the Cold Cuts Cassanova doesn’t propose. Alice and Sam did eventually marry in “A Very Brady Christmas.”

Allan is survived by his “real life” wife of 64 years, Amalia Melvin, and his daughter and grandson.

(source)