Howard Honig (1931-2021) American Actor

Howard Honig American Actor find a Grave

He will be best remembered for his series of different roles he played on the classic television police comedy series, “Barney Miller” from 1975 to 1981, and his role as ‘Jack’ in the comedy film, “Airplane” (1980), and as ‘Dave Walters’ in the comedy film, “Airplane II: The Sequel” (1982). He was born as Howard Morton Honig in New York, New York, on April 17, 1931.

He made his television debut playing the role of ‘Gaoler’ in three episodes of the horror soap opera series, “Dark Shadows” in 1968, and his actual film debut in the film, “Curse Of The Black Widow” (1977). The crime film which was directed by Dan Curtis and which also starred Patty Duke, Anthony Franciosa, and Donna Mills, tells the story of a private detective named Mark Higbie who is on the trail of a murderer who mutilated and whose predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons.

He eventually tracks the killer’s path to Los Angeles, California, where he discovers her true identity: a woman who was bitten by black widow spiders as a child. However, that’s only the beginning of the story. Besides, “Curse of The Black Widow” (1977), “Airplane!” (1980), and “Airplane II: The Sequel” (1982), his many other film credits include, “Last Of The Good Guys” (1978), “The Glove” (1979), “Where The Ladies Go” (1980), “Ladies Night” (1983), “Mr. Mom” (1984), “Walking The Edge” (1985), “Avenging Angel” (1985),

“Reel Horror” (1985), “Hot Prospects” (1989), “City Slickers” (1991), “Paid To Kill” (1991), and “Rebellious” (1995). Besides, “Dark Skies” (1968, three episodes), and “Barney Miller” (1975-1981), his many other television credits include, “Starsky And Hutch,” “Emergency!”

“Barnaby Jones,” “Fish,” “Kojak,” “Police Story,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Rhoda,” “Supertrain,” “The Rockford Files,” “The Bad News Bears,” “Eischied,” ‘Bosom Buddies,” “B.J. And The Bear,” “Simon & Simon,” “Days Of Our Lives,” “Hotel,” “Danger Bay,” “Mr. Belvedere,” “Night Court,” “Frank’s Place,” “CBS Summer Playhouse,” “Doogie Howser, M.D.” “Homefront,” “Knots Landing,” and “Judging Amy.” Besides, his film and television roles he also appeared on stage in the productions of “The Rothschilds” (1970), and “The Freedom Of The City” (1974).

He was married to Jeanne Lucas Honig, the first singing partner of singer Barry Manilow in 1969. Manilow felt Honig was taking up too much of Lucas’ time and seemed resentful of their relationship because it conflicted with their impromptu singing sessions. Manilow did write a song for their wedding, however, as well as providing a piano. His wife Jeanne survives him. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, on November 29, 2021, at the age of 90.