Character Actor Sam Menning Dies at 85

Sam Menning, a photographer-turned-character actor best known for his portrayal of lowlifes, has died. He was 85.
Menning died March 31 of emphysema at a Burbank, Calif., medical center, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
A professional photographer in the 1950s, Menning had his own business. His agent, Bonnie Howard, said he was the last person to shoot a pinup of Bettie Page before he moved into the film industry, working as a still photographer, gaffer, electrician and grip.

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He started acting regularly by the '80s, frequently playing such characters as Homeless Man, Old Wino, Old Geezer, Hobo No. 2, Toothless Guy and Drunk, according to his IMDb page.    Menning most recently played a homeless man and the Pickled Egg Guy in three episodes of My Name Is Earl. He made other TV guest appearances on Gilmore Girls, ER, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, Scrubs and Carnivale. Film credits include The Butcher's Wife, Life Stinks, The Onion Movie and The Prestige.Menning is survived by his companion of 48 years, Karina Von Wattidel; his brother, Rod Menning; his daughter, Sherree Casusol; and four grandchildren.