Actor. He is usually remembered for his numerous character roles playing eccentrics, including his perhaps best remembered role of the crazy prophet Exidor on the sitcom, “Mork and Mindy.” Born in New York City, Donner grew up in New Jersey, Michigan and Texas. Upon graduating from high school, he spent four years in the US Navy, where he was stationed in California. Deciding he liked living there, upon his release from the Navy, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked odd jobs and attended college at Cal State Northridge. Living in an apartment in Studio City, Donner later reported in his biography that his neighbor, actor Clint Eastwood, talked him into pursuing an acting career. His first role was an uncredited part in the John Wayne film “Rio Bravo” (1959). He soon developed into a popular character actor, specializing in comic, eccentric roles, which kept him always employed, but never allowed him to reach star status. After an uncredited role in “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962), he shows up in guest roles in such television series as Rawhide, Combat!, Daniel Boone, I Spy, The Guns of Will Sonnett, The Mod Squad, Gunsmoke, High Chaparral, Bonanza, Lassie, The Waltons and a host of other shows. A dependable, reliable actor, he continued to find movie roles, appearing in such films as Paul Newman’s film “Cool Hand Luke” (1967), the Bob Hope film “The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell” (1968), “The Undefeated” (1969), “Rio Lobo” (1970), “The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing” (1973), and numerous other films, always in supporting roles. In a newspaper interview in 1988, Donner stated “I guess I’m like the rest of my fellow actors; I keep my guns loaded and go where the action is.” Known for his droll, dry sense of humor, it was his recurring role of Exidor on the television sitcom “Mork and Mindy” that won him a public audience following. As the leader of an invisible cult called the Friends of Venus whom only Exidor could see, he would often utter his signature phrase “Mork! Is that you?” to star Robin Williams. Off camera, Donner was a founding member of the comedy group, the Crazy Quilt Comedy Company, which includes John Ritter, Penny Marshall, and Robin Williams among its alumni. The Crazy Quilt Comedy Company seeks to encourage actors to develop their abilities in impromptu standup comedy. Donner was also an avid golfer, and frequently played in celebrity tournaments and fundraisers. He was married to the former Jill Sherman, who is a producer and writer. He died of a sudden heart attack at his home in Sherman Oaks. His last film appearance was in the film “Hoot” (2006), which was released after his death. (bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson)