TV Article Al Molinaro dead: Happy Days actor dies at 96 By Jessica Goodman Published on October 31, 2015 03:16PM EDT Photo: ABC/Getty Images Happy Days actor Al Molinaro, best known for playing Big Al Delvecchio on the hit series, died in California on Friday at 96 years old. Molinaro’s son confirmed his death to TMZ and said that the actor had severe gall stones. On Happy Days, Molinaro’s character was once the chef at Arnold’s Drive-In, and later in the show he became the owner of the classic hangout. He appeared on the series from season 4 to season 9, and also played Big Al when Happy Days spin-off Joanie Loves Chaci from 1982 to 1983. His acting credits also include The Odd Couple, a handful of TV commercials, and a cameo in Weezer’s music video for “Buddy Holly.” “Al’s the Magic Johnson of acting,” Weezer bassist Matt Sharp told EW back in 1994. “When he walks on the set, good players become great.”