Norman Fell is an American actor, best known for his role as Stanley Roper, the humorous and talkative landlord, on the iconic sitcom Three’s Company (1977–1979) and its spin-off The Ropers (1979–1980). Prior to that, he had a long and varied career in film and television, with over 100 roles.
Born a soldier and having taken up acting after World War II, Norman Fell not only impressed with his authentic acting, but also left his mark with his subtle comedic style and unmistakable charm.
Biography: Background and Early Career
Real Name: Norman Noah Feld
Born: March 24, 1924
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: December 14, 1998 in Los Angeles, California (aged 74)
Norman grew up in a Jewish family in Philadelphia. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force during World War II, serving in the Pacific Air Forces.
After his discharge, Norman decided to pursue art. He attended Temple University, then continued to train his acting skills at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York – the cradle of many Hollywood stars.
Film and Television Career
Notable Film Roles
Norman Fell began his career with supporting roles in films from the late 1950s. One of his most memorable roles was Mr. McCleery, the dormitory supervisor, in The Graduate (1967), a classic film starring Dustin Hoffman. The role was small but very “Fell”: a little cold, sharp, but full of depth and feeling down to the last detail.
In addition, he also participated in films such as:
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
Bullitt (1968) – with Steve McQueen
Catch-22 (1970)
Charley Varrick (1973)
Airport ’77 (1977)
Breakthrough success with “Three’s Company”
The biggest turning point in Norman Fell’s career came when he took on the role of Stanley Roper, the difficult, stingy and always suspicious landlord Jack Tripper in Three’s Company. This role not only brought him fame, but also brought him a Golden Globe in 1979 for “Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series”.
Stanley Roper is a unique character: both annoying and funny, always having charming arguments with his wife – Helen Roper (played by Audra Lindley). The Roper couple quickly became icons of 1970s sitcoms.
The Ropers – an incomplete adventure
The popularity of the character Stanley made ABC decide to spin this character off to develop a separate series: The Ropers (1979–1980). However, the show only lasted two seasons before being canceled due to not maintaining its initial appeal. Despite its failure in terms of duration, Norman Fell was still highly appreciated for his charming and realistic acting style.
Personal life
Norman Fell went through three marriages and had two daughters. Although famous for his humorous roles, in real life he was known as a rather private, serious and simple person.
He loved painting, often painting oil paintings in his spare time. Norman also participated in many charity activities and supported young actors to pursue their passion for art.
Final Years and Death
Norman Fell passed away on December 14, 1998 in Los Angeles after a long battle with bone cancer. He passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind a career spanning more than 40 years and hundreds of roles on both the big and small screens.
His passing left many colleagues and audiences mourning. Actor John Ritter – a close co-star in Three’s Company – once shared:
“Norman was not just a television legend. He was a teacher, a colleague whom I respected for the rest of my life.”
Legacy
Norman Fell was not the type of actor who always topped the charts, but he was a typical representative of the “character actor” type – those who never played the main role, but were always the soul of every scene they participated in.
The role of Stanley Roper is still remembered as an iconic comedy icon of 1970s American television. New generations of viewers can still enjoy Three’s Company through reruns or online platforms, and thanks to that, the name Norman Fell continues to live on in the hearts of the public.
Conclusion: An unpretentious but great monument
Norman Fell is proof that an actor does not need to be the main character to leave an impression on the audience. With his natural acting style, dedication to his craft and respectable personality, he conquered audiences across America – from small roles on the screen to unforgettable laughs on television.
