'Happy Days' actor Al Molinaro dies at 96

UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 02: HAPPY DAYS - "Hi Yo Fonzie...Away" 2/9/82 Extras, Marla Pennington, Henry Winkler, Al Molinaro (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)

Credit: ABC Photo Archives

Credit: ABC Photo Archives

UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 02: HAPPY DAYS - "Hi Yo Fonzie...Away" 2/9/82 Extras, Marla Pennington, Henry Winkler, Al Molinaro (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)


The owner of the Fonz' favorite diner has died.

Al Molinaro, who played Al Delvecchio on the sitcom "Happy Days," died Friday, his son said. He was 96.

Molinaro's character owned the diner Arnold's, then Al's, on the show. He was a regular cast member from seasons four through nine.

He was born to Italian parents in Wisconsin on June 24, 1919, according to The New York Times.

He was a difficult high school student who worked his way to Hollywood in the 50s.

He appeared in sitcoms in the 60s and 70s and eventually met Robin Williams in improv class. Molinaro suggested Williams as a fill-in for an alien role on short notice for a "Happy Days" episode titled My Favorite Orkan.

The episode and alien role was a huge success, leading to the creation of a show called "Mork & Mindy" that ran from the late 70s to early 80s.

He is survived by his son, his second wife and three grandchildren, according to the Times.