Funnyman Bill Daily, known for his roles on the classic sitcoms "I Dream of Jeannie" and "The Bob Newhart Show" passed away on Tuesday this week at the age of 91 his family confirmed.
“He loved every sunset, he loved every meal — he just decided to be happy about everything,” J. Patrick Daily, his son told Variety.
The actor died of natural causes in Santa Fe, New Mexico, his son confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Daily was best known for his work playing Maj. Roger Healey, the comedic sidekick on NBC's "I Dream of Jeannie" (1965-70) as well as for his role on CBS' "The Bob Newhart Show" (1972-78) as the perpetually jet-lagged Howard Borden.
Daily's other TV credits included roles on "Alf," "Bewitched," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Love American Style," "Aloha, Paradise," and "Starting From Scratch." His battle with dyslexia forced him to memorize all his lines.
The comedian was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1927, growing up in Chicago. He began his career as a standup comedian
Daily's longtime friend and collaborator, Bob Newhart, issued a statement Friday night, calling him their "bullpen man."
"Whenever we were having trouble with a script on the show, we'd have Bill make an appearance. In recent years, we had hoped to have Bill be a part of The Bob Newhart Show tributes at the TV Academy, but by then he was no longer traveling." Newhart said in a statement released Friday night. "He was one of the most positive people I ever knew, and we’ll dearly miss him."
Barbara Eden, his co-star in I Dream of Jeannie tweeted that "Our favorite zany astronaut, Bill Daily has passed."
Our favorite zany astronaut, Bill Daily has passed. Billy was wonderful to work with. He was a funny, sweet man that kept us all on our toes. I'm so thankful to have known and worked with that rascal. Until we meet again Billy, xo -B #RIPBillDaily
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