Grandpa Al Lewis, beloved for his role on The Munsters, lived on Roosevelt Island, inspiring his wife Karen to write about grief and rediscovery in her new book.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
DANCING WITH SNAKE, A NEW BOOK BY FORMER R.I. RESIDENT KAREN INGENTHRON LEWIS
Grandpa Munster lived on Roosevelt Island! There’s even a playground named in his honor. A political activist, restaurateur and performer, his real name was Al Lewis. He and his wife Karen Ingenthron Lewis, engaged in the community and made their home here for nearly 20 years.
If Al wasn’t at his Greenwich Village eatery, an acting job or his beloved radio station WBAI-NY airing his weekly talk show, he could be seen strolling Main Street or sitting in front of Eastwood making people laugh. He believed that fomenting laughter was his true purpose in life.
When Al died in 2006, Karen feared her creative spark had dimmed along with his. She challenged herself to preserve their memories by penning “I Married a Munster, My Life with “Grandpa” Al Lewis: a memoir.” This led to curiosity about and fascination with the mourning process itself and how it processed her!
With Roosevelt Island and its supportive, friendly neighbors and community as its backdrop – Island House, the East River, the Promenade, Tram, Trellis and countless helpful allies – Karen’s latest book Dancing with Snake impressionistically depicts her personal journey through mourning.
From her darkest moments navigating the blizzard of 2006 to get to Al’s funeral to the beauty of rediscovering creativity, purpose and joy, Dancing with Snake celebrates one’s capacity to grow and change. You can find Dancing with Snake wherever you buy your books or at BookBaby.com/shop
About Grandpa Al Lewis and His Unforgettable Character on The Munsters
Grandpa Al Lewis, the iconic portrayal of Count Dracula on The Munsters, brought a unique blend of humor, wisdom, and a touch of the macabre to the beloved sitcom.1 His character, often seen tinkering in his laboratory or sharing quirky anecdotes, became a fan favorite.
Lewis’s performance was marked by his distinctive voice, deadpan delivery, and a twinkle in his eye. He effortlessly balanced the character’s comedic moments with a subtle underlying darkness, making Grandpa a truly memorable figure. His chemistry with the rest of the Munster family, particularly with his on-screen daughter Lily, was a highlight of the show.
Beyond The Munsters, Al Lewis was a multifaceted individual.2 He was an activist, a restaurant owner, and a political candidate.3 His diverse career and passionate personality further solidified his legacy as a talented and versatile performer.
Rivercross and the Quiet Green Light
Rivercross privatization was enabled in 2010. This matters now because the same governance structures that allowed Rivercross to privatize without formal conflict controls are still in place. The same public authority oversees land leases, settlements, and redevelopment decisions that affect every resident on Roosevelt Island today.
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Those of us old enough remember Al as NYPD officer Guenther Toody on Car 54 Where Are You? which also starred Fred Gwynn who later was Herman Munster.
New one on me. I don’t remember watching Car 54. Thanks.
Al also played NYPD Office Guenther Toody on “Car 54 Where Are You? with Fred Gwynn who played Herman Munster
Thanks< larry. I remember the concept for that show being hilarious, but I never watched it.