Frank Buxton, ‘Odd Couple,’ ‘Happy Days’ Writer and Director, Dies at 87

Buxton had been battling health issues for two years before his death on Tuesday 

Frank Buxton

TV writer, director and actor Frank Buxton, best known for his work on “The Odd Couple” and “Happy Days,” has died. He was 87.

Buxton had been battling health issues for two years before his death on Tuesday at Harrison Medical Center on Bainbridge Island, Washington, according to the Kitsap Sun.

In the 1970s and ’80s, Buxton’s TV credits included “The Odd Couple,” “Happy Days,” “One Day at a Time” and “Mork & Mindy.” He also created the Peabody Award-winning kids documentary series “Hot Dog” for NBC, which featured Woody Allen, Jonathan Winters and Jo Anne Worle.

As an actor, he appeared in Garry Marshall’s “Beaches,” “Overboard” and “Frankie and Johnny,” and lent his voice to the syndicated cartoon “Batfink.” He also served as the host of the ABC series “Discovery” in 1962.

Buxton continued to perform with the improvisation troupe The Edge in Bainbridge until as recently as November. The group plans to dedicate its Jan. 6 performance to Buxton.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia.

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