Sunday, January 28, 2007 11:34 PM

Al Lewis is remembered most for his lovable character
On the TV series THE MUNSTERS. Known around the globe as "Grampa”,
Jan 2003

Al Lewis is remembered most for his lovable character on the TV series THE MUNSTERS. Known around the globe as "Grampa," he also starred in other radio, TV and theatrical performances: "Leo Schnauzer" in CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU?, the dance hall judge in THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? with Jane Fonda, USED CARS, MARRIED TO THE MOB, etc.  Grampa Al studied acting at the Actors' Studio and with Paul Mann. He played the lead in Eugene O'Neill's THE ICEMAN COMMETH directed by Jose Quintero at the original production at the Circle in the Square. Al has been an activist from his earliest recollections, attending marches and rallies with his mother who worked in NYCs garment district.  His proudest achievement is three sons who now have families of their own.  He met his wife, Karen in 1979 when they were cast in a dinner theater production of Neil Simon's CALIFORNIA SUITE. In 1998, Al ran for Governor of the State of NY for the Green Party, garnering enough votes to get ballot status for the following four years.  For over seven years, Al has been a producer at WBAI 99.5 FM on his public affairs program, AL LEWIS LIVE, co-produced with his wife. Together, they have provided assistance to hundreds of incarcerated individuals through their friendship/penpal project.

Karen Lewis worked in the theater for over 25 years as a repertory actor, playwright and teacher.  In New York City, she mentored kids at the 52nd Street Project, and taught playwrighting at Main Street Theatre on Roosevelt Island where she lives with her husband Al Lewis. In 1987, Karen met Gloria W. Milliken, founder of numerous housing organizations and her life took on a new direction.  Under her tutalage, Karen became Executive Director of Eviction Intervention Services, protecting tenants' rights and saving them from eviction. Karen enjoys the Prison Penpal Project because of the insights it has given her and those who participate.

Al "Grandpa" Lewis, famous for his role in the classic early sixties series "The Munsters", also a well known actor, comedian, entertainer, book author and acrobat, and his wife, Ms. Karen Lewis, run an inmate pen-pal program as humantiarians. Grandpa and Karen Lewis are honorary lifetime members of the H.A.D. Organization since October, 2002. Grandpa, with his vast knowledge of life, will be regularly contributing articles on a variety of topics, along with his wife. Grandpa has his own radio show, known as "Al Grandpa Lewis Live", which airs every Saturday from 12:00 noon until 1:30 pm on Radio Station WBAI, 99.5FM. If you are interested in writing to an incarcerated individual, through Grandpa and Karen Lewis's penpal program, please feel free to email us at grandpa@hadofnyc.org with your information.