Trivia

He originally appeared in one episode as Morty Seinfeld, the father of Jerry Seinfeld, on the sitcom Seinfeld (1989), although was replaced by Barney Martin, who appeared in 20 further episodes.

He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Augustana College in South Dakota. He earned his Master's Degree from the Yale School of Drama in New Haven, Connecticut. He also studied at the Old Vic Theatre School in London, England.

He was awarded the 1964 Obie Award for his performance in Off-Broadway production of the play, "Mr. Simian.".

He was the youngest of three children of Henry Bruns and Margie Trigg Bruns. He is survived by his wife, Laurie Franks Bruns, of Los Angeles, California; and a sister, Dorothy Bruns. He is also survived by his friend, Joseph Armilla.

He was the son of Margie Evelyn Solon Trigg and Henry Phillip Bruns. His ancestry was German and Irish.