Sam Menning

Sam Menning (January 5, 1925 – March 29, 2010) was an American character actor and photographer.

Menning began his career in the 1950s as a photographer in New York City before switching to acting during the 1980s.[1] His talent agent, Bonnie Howard, made him her first professional client.[1] Howard noted that Menning was the last person to photograph pin-up model Bettie Page before her retirement from the modelling industry.[1][2]

Before becoming a professional actor in the 1980s, Menning worked in a number of positions within the entertainment industry, including a still photographer, grip, gaffer and lighting technician.[1] His television credits included Yes, Dear, Guideposts Junction, Sabrina the Teenage Witch (in the episode "Pancake Madness"), and In Case of Emergency, and he portrayed a homeless man called Pickled Egg Guy in My Name Is Earl.[1] In film, Menning appeared in Mel Brooks' 1991 movie Life Stinks, portrayed another homeless man in Speedway Junky, and a blind stagehand in the 2006 thriller, The Prestige, directed by Christopher Nolan.[1]

Sam Menning died of emphysema at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California,[1] on March 31, 2010,[3] at the age of 85. He was survived by his daughter Sherree Casusol, and her four children; his brother, Rod Menning, and his nephew Garrett Menning.[1] His memorial service was held at Angeleno Valley Mortuary in North Hollywood.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Character actor Sam Menning dies at 85; Credits include 'My Name Is Earl,' 'The Prestige'". The Hollywood Reporter. April 5, 2010. Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  2. ^ Catlin, Roger (April 6, 2010). "Sam Menning: Photographer, Character Actor". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on August 15, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  3. ^ "Sam Menning – January 5, 1925 – March 29, 2010". Los Angeles Times. April 7, 2010. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2010.