Irwin Keyes was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Jeffersons,” “Friday the 13th,” and “House of 1000 Corpses.” Born on March 16, 1952, in New York City, he became a familiar face in film and television due to his unique presence and memorable characters.
Personal and Family Life
Irwin Keyes grew up in Amityville, New York, and graduated from Amityville Memorial High School in 1970. He later attended SUNY New Paltz, where he earned a BA in English. He was married twice; his first marriage to Victoria Rosenthal ended in divorce, and he married Tracy Fontaine in 2008, with whom he had one child. Keyes was known for his warm personality and often portrayed characters that were endearing yet tough.
Career Highlights
Keyes had a diverse acting career, frequently appearing in horror films, comedies, and TV shows. He gained popularity for his role as bodyguard Hugo Majelewski on the hit sitcom “The Jeffersons,” where his catchphrase “Hi! Remember Me?” became well-known. He appeared as a guest on shows like “Laverne & Shirley,” “Married with Children,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and also worked in commercials and voiceovers for video games.
Death and Legacy
Irwin Keyes passed away on July 8, 2015, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from acromegaly. His contributions to film and television have left a lasting impression, with fans remembering his larger-than-life characters and unique charm. Keyes was cremated, and his ashes were given to his widow, Tracy Fontaine.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Flintstones | 1994-05-26 | Joe Rockhead |
| Frankenstein General Hospital | 1988-03-11 | The Monster |
| Friday the 13th | 1980-05-09 | Busboy (uncredited) |
| Intolerable Cruelty | 2003-09-02 | Wheezy Joe |
| House of 1000 Corpses | 2003-04-11 | Ravelli |
| The Jeffersons | 1975-1985 | Hugo Majelewski |
| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | 2000-10-06 | Russ Beaudreaux |
| Tales from the Crypt | 1989-06-10 | Figure |