Eddie Applegate, a 1955 graduate of Cheltenham High School, grew up at 33 Waverly Road in Wyncote.

According to local historian Chuck Langerman, Applegate’s passion for the stage was shown early on: He performed in Cheltenham High’s fall and spring productions in addition to starring in local theatre.

Applegate went on to play Richard Harrison in 70 episodes of “The Patty Duke Show,” which aired on ABC from 1963-1966. He also appeared in “The Lucy Show,” “Gunsmoke,” and “The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis.”

In 1999, Applegate reprised the role of Richard Harrison in a reunion, “The Patty Duke Show: Still Rockin’ in Brooklyn Heights,” appearing as the ex-husband of Patty Lane. Also in 1999, Applegate was featured on an episode of E! Entertainment Television’s “Celebrity Profile.”

In the 2000s, Applegate appeared in minor movie roles such as “Exorcism” (2003) and “Welcome to September” (2005). In 2009, Applegate appeared as Henry in the indie thriller “Rain From Stars”.

After his television career faded, Applegate became more involved with painting, a hobby that he had previously taken up in order to relax when he was working regularly on television shows. He described himself as a “Realist to Impressionist painter.”

He passed away on October 17, 2016, at the age of 81 after a long illness. He is survived by his two children, Heather and Michael, and six grandchildren.

You can read more about Applegate’s life via The New York Times‘ obituary here.

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Photos courtesy of IMDB.com, Wikipedia Commons