Young Frankenstein Star Peter Boyle Dies at 71

Peter Boyle, the versatile character actor who was known for his turn in Young Frankenstein and for his work on the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," died on December 12th, 2006 at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 71.  The cause of death was heart disease.

The Irish-American actor was born on October 18th, 1935 in Pittsburgh.  Boyle, who originally desired to become a monk, served in the army for a period.  After he graduated from La Salle University in 1957, Boyle moved to New York and studied acting under Uta Hagen.  A touring production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple marked his professional debut.

Boyle made his film debut in 1966.  His many screen credits included The Candidate, Young Frankenstein (in which he played the Monster and famously performed "Puttin' on the Ritz" with Gene Wilder), Taxi Driver, Outland, Johnny Dangerously, Red Heat, Honeymoon in Vegas, Malcolm X, The Santa Clause, While You Were Sleeping, Monster's Ball and The Santa Clause 2. 

From 1996 through 2005, Boyle played Frank Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond."  He also won an Emmy for his guest appearance in "The X Files."

Boyle made his Broadway debut in 1970's Paul Sills' Story Theatre, a play with music in which he played a variety of roles.  Valerie Harper was among his castmates.   He also starred in the 1980 comedy The Roast, directed by Carl Reiner.  He originated the role of Lee in Sam Shepard's True West at the Public Theater, and more recently, appeared in the Off-Broadway hit The Exonerated.

John Lennon was one of Boyle's best friends, and served as best man at the latter's wedding to former Rolling Stones reporter Loraine Alterman.

He is survived by Alterman and by their daughters, Lucy and Amy.