Michael Lew Winkelman (June 27, 1946 – July 27, 1999) was an American film and television actor. He was perhaps best known for playing Little Luke in the television sitcom series The Real McCoys.[1]

Michael Winkelman
Winkelman in Medic, 1955
Born
Michael Lew Winkelman

(1946-06-27)June 27, 1946
DiedJuly 27, 1999(1999-07-27) (aged 53)
Occupation(s)Film and television actor
Years active1955–1965

Winkelman's mother, grandmother and great-grandmother had all been stage performers.[2] Winkelman began his screen career in 1955, appearing in the television series The Great Gildersleeve.[3] He then co-starred in the new ABC sitcom The Real McCoys as Little Luke.[4] While playing the role he also played in the North Hollywood Little League.[5][6]

Winkelman's Gravestone in Riverside National Cemetery, 2006

After the series ended in 1963, Winkelman guest-starred in television programs including The Munsters, Wagon Train, The Joey Bishop Show, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, The Danny Thomas Show, The Lone Ranger, The Millionaire and Mr. Novak.[3] He also appeared in films, such as The Big Knife, Bobby Ware Is Missing, Sincerely Yours, The Indian Fighter and Ride Out for Revenge.

Last years and death

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Winkelman later worked as a groundskeeper at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. He died in 1999 in Los Angeles, California, aged 53.[3] He was buried in Riverside National Cemetery.

References

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  1. ^ "Little Leaguer". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Honolulu, Hawaii. July 5, 1958. p. 71. Retrieved December 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  2. ^ "Johnny's Jokebook". Sunday News. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. January 21, 1962. p. 52. Retrieved December 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ a b c Smith, Torchy (October 2, 2018). Shooting the Breeze with Baby Boomer Stars!: Surprising Celebrity Conversations for the Retro Generation. Archway Publishing. p. 183. ISBN 9781480867864 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Humphreys, Kristi (October 29, 2015). Housework and Gender in American Television: Coming Clean. Lexington Books. p. 44. ISBN 9780739192535 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Philosophy". The South Bend Tribune. South Bend, Indiana. May 30, 1959. p. 18. Retrieved December 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  6. ^ "Do You Know That..." Courier-Post. Camden, New Jersey. June 20, 1959. p. 28. Retrieved December 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
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