Molinaro, who played Arnold's Drive-In owner Al Delvecchio on the popular 1970s U.S. sitcom, passed away on Thursday (29Oct15) at a hospital in California, editors at TMZ.com report.

The actor's son Michael confirmed the death, revealing his father had declined surgery for severe gallstones because of his age.

Molinaro joined Happy Days for its second season, with his character taking over the diner from Pat Morita, who had played Arnold but left to star in his own sitcom.

The actor later starred as Al in the spin-off sitcom Joanie Loves Chachi, and reprised his role in 1994 for the Spike Jonze-directed music video for Weezer's Buddy Holly, which was set at the drive-in.

Molinaro was also known for playing Murray the Cop on The Odd Coupe, alongside Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, while he also had a regular role on 1990 sitcom The Family Man.