David L. Lander was a talented actor, comedian, writer, and voice artist who left an indelible mark on the entertainment world with his unique brand of humor and memorable performances. Best known for his role as Andrew “Squiggy” Squiggman on the hit television sitcom Laverne & Shirley, Lander’s career spanned decades, touching various aspects of entertainment including television, film, voice acting, and advocacy. His ability to create iconic, lovable characters earned him a dedicated fan base, while his off-screen work as a multiple sclerosis advocate added a profound layer to his life and legacy.
Born on June 22, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, David Leonard Landau (who later shortened his name to Lander) was drawn to acting from an early age. His comedic talent was evident even in his youth, and by the time he attended high school, he had already begun performing in school productions. Lander’s upbringing in a Jewish family in Brooklyn, surrounded by a rich cultural environment, laid the foundation for his sharp wit and distinct comedic style.
Early Life and Education
David L. Lander attended James Madison High School in Brooklyn, where he first began exploring his passion for performance. After graduating, Lander enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University, one of the nation’s top institutions for the performing arts. It was at Carnegie Mellon that Lander would meet Michael McKean, who would later become his longtime friend and comedy partner.
While at Carnegie Mellon, Lander and McKean began collaborating on various comedic projects, forming a creative partnership that would shape both of their careers. The duo developed a comedy act around two characters named Lenny and Squiggy—names that would later become iconic on Laverne & Shirley. Their comedic chemistry was undeniable, and their partnership would prove to be one of the most enduring in television history.
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, Lander and McKean moved to Los Angeles, where they continued working on their comedy act while pursuing individual acting careers. They joined the Los Angeles-based comedy troupe The Credibility Gap, where they refined their comedic timing and honed their skills as performers. The Credibility Gap became a platform for Lander and McKean to showcase their unique style of humor, blending sharp satire with physical comedy.
Breakthrough with Laverne & Shirley
David L. Lander’s breakthrough came in 1976 when he and Michael McKean were cast as Lenny Kosnowski and Andrew “Squiggy” Squiggman on the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley. The show, a spin-off of Happy Days, followed two single women, Laverne DeFazio (played by Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (played by Cindy Williams), as they navigated life and work at a Milwaukee brewery in the 1950s and 1960s.
Lander’s character, Squiggy, was one half of the comedic duo Lenny and Squiggy. Squiggy was known for his greasy hair, leather jacket, and high-pitched voice. He was the perfect comedic foil to McKean’s more subdued character, Lenny. Together, Lenny and Squiggy provided much of the physical comedy and slapstick humor on the show, often getting into ridiculous situations and providing levity to the main plotlines.
What made Lander’s portrayal of Squiggy so memorable was his commitment to the character’s eccentricities. From his awkward gait to his nasally voice, Lander created a character that was both quirky and endearing. Squiggy’s signature entrance—bursting into a room and shouting “Hello!”—became one of the show’s most iconic moments, cementing Lander’s place in television history.
Laverne & Shirley was one of the most popular shows of its time, running for eight seasons from 1976 to 1983. During its peak, the show consistently ranked as one of the top-rated programs on television, and Lander’s portrayal of Squiggy made him a household name. The chemistry between Lander and McKean was a key element of the show’s success, and their comedic partnership would remain strong long after the series ended.
Beyond Laverne & Shirley: Film, Voice Acting, and Writing
While Laverne & Shirley brought David L. Lander widespread recognition, his career extended far beyond his role as Squiggy. Lander appeared in a number of films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, often in supporting comedic roles. Some of his notable film credits include A League of Their Own (1992), Used Cars (1980), and 1941 (1979). Lander’s ability to infuse humor into every character he played, no matter how small the role, made him a sought-after character actor.
In addition to his on-screen work, Lander became a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to a wide variety of animated television shows and films. His distinctive voice was well-suited for animation, and he became a regular presence in shows like The Garfield Show, The Big Bang, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, A Bug’s Life, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Lander’s versatility as a voice actor allowed him to play a wide range of characters, from wacky sidekicks to villainous henchmen.
Beyond acting, Lander was also a talented writer. He co-wrote several episodes of Laverne & Shirley and worked on other television projects behind the scenes. His deep understanding of comedic timing and structure made him an asset not only as an actor but also as a writer and producer.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Advocacy
In 1984, David L. Lander was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. For many years, Lander kept his diagnosis private, fearing that it might negatively impact his career. However, in 1999, he decided to go public with his battle with MS, becoming an advocate for raising awareness about the disease.
Lander’s decision to share his personal journey with MS was met with admiration, and he became a spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He wrote a memoir titled Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn’t Tell Nobody (2000), in which he detailed his experiences living with the disease while maintaining his sense of humor and resilience. The book was well-received for its honesty and wit, offering hope and inspiration to others living with chronic illnesses.
Through his advocacy work, Lander helped raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and encouraged others to seek support and treatment. Despite the challenges posed by his illness, Lander continued to work in the entertainment industry, demonstrating incredible strength and determination.
Legacy and Impact
David L. Lander passed away on December 4, 2020, at the age of 73, after living with multiple sclerosis for more than three decades. His death was a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his contributions to comedy and his advocacy for those living with MS left a lasting legacy.
Lander’s portrayal of Squiggy on Laverne & Shirley remains one of the most iconic comedic performances in television history, and his work as a voice actor introduced his talents to a new generation of fans. His career was defined by his ability to bring laughter to audiences through his unique brand of humor, and his partnership with Michael McKean stands as one of the great comedic duos of all time.
Beyond his work in entertainment, Lander’s courage in facing multiple sclerosis and his efforts to raise awareness about the disease continue to inspire those who live with chronic illnesses. He demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, one can continue to pursue their passions and make a difference in the lives of others.
David L. Lander will always be remembered as a gifted actor, comedian, and advocate whose humor and heart touched countless lives. His legacy lives on through his work and the impact he made both on and off the screen.