Steve Landesberg remembered

By April MacIntyre Dec 21, 2010, 4:00 GMT

Landesberg shone as an unmotivated psychiatrist Dr. Myron Finklestein in Starz\' "Head Case," the brilliant ad lib ensemble series headed by Alexandra Wentworth. His character shared office space with Ali\'s Dr. Goode, and they made great TV together.

Actor Steve Landesberg has died, he was 65 years old.

Mr. Landesberg passed away Friday morning from cancer, after a prolonged fight with the disease.

"It is with great sadness to report the loss of my friend and client Steve Landesberg," his agent Jeffrey Leavitt said in a press statement. "Working with Steve was an honor both personally and professionally. My heart goes out to his family.   He will be missed."

Mr. Landesberg was exceptional in the role of the unmotivated psychiatrist, Dr. Myron Finklestein, in Starz' "Head Case."   The series was a brilliant ad lib ensemble headed by actress Alexandra Wentworth.  His character shared office space with Wentworth's character Dr. Goode, and they made great TV comedy together.

Landesberg had made his mark as Arthur Dietrich on Barney Miller, which aired on the smallscreen from 1975-1982.  Landesberg played a pediatrician, Dr. Rosenbaum, in 2009’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Back in March, 2009, Monsters and Critics was fortunate to speak with Steve about his brilliant role in "Head Case" and more.

An excerpt from the original interview published March 20, 2009:

Monsters and Critics: Steve, of all the television you have done in your life, what was your favorite role and why?

Steve Landesberg: Sgt. Dietrich on Barney Miller was a great character. That put me on the map.  Barney Miller was a great show with great writing.  I have a great time on Head Case, all improv so no homework,  great people to work with and a lot of fun.

Monsters and Critics:  Tell me a comic - living or deceased - you would have payed money for to see live?

Steve Landesberg: Jonathan Winters

Monsters and Critics:  Describe Dr. Myron Finklestein's perfect woman.

Steve Landesberg: Yet to find her. And if he does he will probably blow it.

Monsters and Critics:  Favorite guest star moment on 'Head Case' from season one, season two?

Steve Landesberg: ….Fred Willard, who’s one of the great improvisers and uniquely funny people in the world. I knew Fred when he was with Ace Trucking and they were working The Improv in New York, where I started.  He was just as funny then. And that was in 1843.