Veteran actor Jack Riley dies at 80

Los Angeles: Veteran actor Jack Riley, who played a counselling client on "The Bob Newhart Show" in the 1970s and also voiced a character in the "Rugrats" animated series, breathed his last here on Friday. He was 80.

The actor's representative Paul Doherty confirmed the news of his demise, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Besides portraying the role of Elliot Carlin on “The Bob Newhart Show”, Riley appeared in the Mel Brooks films "History of the World: Part I”, "High Anxiety" and "Spaceballs" among his more than 150 projects over a career spanning five decades.

In a statement, stand-up comedian and actor Bob Newhart said that Riley created one of television's "most endearing" situation comedy characters with the portrayal of Carlin.

“Riley was a dear friend, one whose loss leaves an emptiness in the lives of my friends and family,” Newhart said.

The Cleveland native also voiced commercials and made guest appearances on numerous TV series, including "Seinfeld", "Night Court" and "Different Strokes".