Herschel Bernardi ✝

Herschel Bernardi (October 30, 1923 – May 9, 1986) was an American actor and singer. He is best known for his supporting role in the drama television series Peter Gunn (1958–1961) and his leading role in the comedy television series Arnie (1970–1972). The two series earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and two consecutive Golden Globe Award nominations. On stage, Bernardi appeared in many Broadway musicals. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his performances in the original production of Zorba and the 1981 revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Born in New York City, the younger son of Berel Bernardi and Helen Bernardi, Herschel was appearing on the stages of 2nd Avenue with his acting family before he could talk. In the 1930s, Bernardi appeared in the Yiddish films of Edgar G. Ulmer and was later among those actors who made the transition from Yiddish language films to English language films. Herschel was the brother of Jack Bernardi (who played Harvey Pulp in It's a Bikini World).[citation needed]