George Tobias was an American actor who had a long and successful career in theater, film and television. He is best remembered for his role as Abner Kravitz, the grumpy and nosy neighbor on the popular sitcom Bewitched, which ran from 1964 to 1971. But what many fans may not know is that Tobias died of bladder cancer in 1980, at the age of 78. In this article, we will explore the life and death of George Tobias, and how he left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
George Tobias was born on July 14, 1901, in New York City, to Russian-Jewish immigrants who were active in the Yiddish theater. He began acting at age 15, at the Neighborhood Playhouse, and made his Broadway debut in 1924, in the play What Price Glory? [according to IMDb]
He moved to Hollywood in 1939, and signed with Warner Bros., where he was cast in supporting roles, often alongside James Cagney, such as in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). He also appeared with Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941), and with Ronald Reagan in This Is the Army (1943). He played a variety of characters, from comedians to villains, and from ethnic types to soldiers. [according to Wikipedia]
He continued to work in films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, appearing in classics such as Mildred Pierce (1945), The Glenn Miller Story (1954), and Silk Stockings (1957). He also ventured into television, starring in shows such as Hudson’s Bay (1959), Adventures in Paradise (1959-1961), and Perry Mason (1964). [according to IMDb]
Bewitched and Beyond
In 1964, Tobias landed the role that would make him a household name: Abner Kravitz, the husband of Gladys Kravitz, the nosy neighbor who always suspected something strange was going on at the home of Samantha and Darrin Stephens, the main characters of Bewitched. Tobias played the part with humor and charm, often acting as the voice of reason and sanity in contrast to his wife’s hysterical accusations. He became a fan favorite, and appeared in 141 episodes of the show, until its end in 1971. [according to IMDb]
After Bewitched, Tobias appeared in three episodes of The Waltons (1972-1973), as a junkman named Vernon Rutley. He also reprised his role as Abner Kravitz in a guest appearance on the Bewitched spin-off, Tabitha (1977), which starred Lisa Hartman as Samantha and Darrin’s daughter. This was his last acting role, as he retired from the industry in 1977. [according to IMDb]
Death and Legacy
On February 27, 1980, Tobias died of bladder cancer at the age of 78, at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Queens, New York. He never married, but had a long-term relationship with actress Milicent Patrick, who died in 1998. [according to Wikipedia]
Tobias left behind a legacy of memorable performances, and a reputation of being a kind and generous person. He was praised by his co-stars and colleagues, such as Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha on Bewitched, and who accepted an Emmy Award on his behalf in 1968, when he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. She said: “He was a wonderful man, a very funny man, and a very dear friend.” [according to Facts Verse]
George Tobias may be gone, but he is not forgotten. His role as Abner Kravitz remains one of the most iconic and beloved characters in television history, and his fans still enjoy watching him on reruns of Bewitched. He was a talented and versatile actor, who brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers. He was, in the words of his friend and co-star Dick York, who played Darrin on Bewitched, “a very special man.” [according to Facts Verse]
