Richard Erdman, known among classic film buffs for the war dramedy “Stalag 17” but remembered by millennials for his work on “Community” as Greendale’s smart-alecky Leonard Rodriguez, died Saturday. He was 93.
Film historian Alan K. Rode broke the news on Twitter Saturday, stating simply, “Goodbye pal. Dick Erdman 1925-2019.” No additional information on his passing were given.
Erdman won over a new generation with his debut in “Community”‘s fifth episode “Advanced Criminal Law.” During one of his custom end-of-episode speeches, Joel McHale’s Jeff Winger declared that everyone at Greendale was nuts, to which Leonard yelled from the school’s swimming pool, “Not me!”
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“Oh, come on, Leonard. If you’re gonna argue with me, put on a bathing suit,” said Jeff, to which Leonard only replied “Busted!”
Over the course of the series, Erdman’s performance as Leonard became one of “Community”‘s most beloved gags. He would interrupt a scene with a sarcastic swipe at the main characters, to which one of them — usually Jeff — would shoot him down. Sample line: “Shut up, Leonard! Those teenage girls you play ping-pong with are doing it ironically!”
“Community” cast members have joined with fans in honoring the late actor’s legacy. McHale praised Erdman as “such a good & funny man,” while Ken Jeong posted a highlight reel of some of Leonard’s funniest moments. Check out that reel and more tweets honoring Richard Erdman below.
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) March 17, 2019
Ugh, awful. I just looked at his IMDb 2 days ago and was reminded about what a legend he was. Sweet, funny and game for anything. Plus great Brando stories. What more was there even left to do? RIP to legend & friend Richard Erdman. #shutupleonard https://t.co/MwuubntCLp
— Charley Koontz (@charley_koontz) March 17, 2019
Thank you Leonard #Community #SixSeasonsandaMovie pic.twitter.com/cqm2SPOm2X
— Blayz (@jusblayz_) March 17, 2019
I guess Leonard did finally shut up ????
R.I.P Richard Erdman#community #greendale #sixseasonsandamovie #shutupLeonard pic.twitter.com/XWubQrLMSO
— Goose is my Spirit Animal (@goatboyuk) March 17, 2019
A proud moment in the history of the AV Club's Community comments section: this photo of Richard Erdman holding up a copy of @tvoti's 2012 article on the "Regional Holiday Music" recap hitting 30,000 comments.
R.I.P. Leonard. pic.twitter.com/jHj8WkHWzi
— Greendale AV Club (@AVClubCZ) March 17, 2019
