Andrew Sachs, Played Bumbling Spanish Waiter on ‘Fawlty Towers,’ Dies at 86

By Dave Goldiner December 2, 2016

Andrew Sachs, a British comedy actor best known for his role as the hapless Spanish waiter on the ’70s television sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers, has died at 86.

His family told the Jewish Chronicle that Sachs passed away on November 23 and was buried on Thursday. The actor had reportedly been ill with vascular dementia for four years.

John Cleese, his co-star and co-creator of the show, tweeted a tribute to Sachs, the paper reported.

“Just heard about Andy Sachs. Very sad. A very sweet gentle and kind man and a truly great farceur. I could not have found a better Manuel. Inspired.”

Dave Goldiner is the Forward’s director of digital media. Dave is a veteran journalist who has spent two decades working at newspapers in the United States and Africa. A native New Yorker, Goldiner wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered some of the biggest stories of our time, including the attacks of September 11, along with thousands of stories of hope and heartbreak. He also studied and worked in Southern Africa and has written for publications in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He holds masters degrees in journalism and public administration from Columbia University. Dave can be reached at [email protected], or follow him on Twitter @davegoldiner

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