History of David Lander in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2024

David L. Lander was an American entertainer celebrated for his comedic talent and his role as Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman on the sitcom "Laverne & Shirley". His career spanned acting, comedy, music, and baseball scouting. He was also actively involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a goodwill ambassador.

June 22, 1947: Birth of David L. Lander

On June 22, 1947, David L. Lander was born as David Leonard Landau. He would become known for his comedic acting, music, and even baseball scouting.

1969: First Marriage

David L. Lander married Thea Markus in 1969.

1970: Early Voice Acting

In 1970, Lander showcased his vocal talents by doing a "dramatic reproduction" of Elvis Presley for "Pop Chronicles" and voicing Jerry Lewis in "Will the Real Jerry Lewis Please Sit Down".

1976: Start of Laverne & Shirley

In 1976, David L. Lander's most iconic role, Andrew "Squiggy" Squiggman, in the sitcom "Laverne & Shirley", began, marking a significant career milestone.

1976: Divorce

Lander and Thea Markus divorced in 1976.

1979: Second Marriage

David L. Lander married Kathy Fields in 1979.

1979: Lenny and the Squigtones Album and 1941 Release

The comedic duo of Lander and McKean release an album as "Lenny and the Squigtones" and appear together in Steven Spielberg's comedy "1941" in 1979.

1980: Appearance in "Used Cars"

In 1980, Lander and McKean were featured in Kurt Russell's film "Used Cars", showcasing their comedic chemistry on the big screen.

1982: End of Laverne & Shirley

1982 marked the conclusion of the sitcom "Laverne & Shirley", concluding Lander's run as Squiggy after a successful six-year period.

1984: Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

David L. Lander received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1984.

1988: Voice Acting in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"

Lander provided the voice for the character Smart Ass (later renamed Wiseguy for the related ride) in the 1988 Disney film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit".

1997: Career Shift to Baseball Scouting

A lifelong baseball fan, Lander began working as a talent scout in 1997, initially for the Anaheim Angels and later for the Seattle Mariners.

1999: Public Disclosure of MS Diagnosis

In 1999, Lander publicly shared his multiple sclerosis diagnosis and became an advocate, speaking at related events.

2001: Voice Acting in "Oswald"

Lander and McKean lent their voices to the children's animated series "Oswald", which started airing in 2001, expanding their repertoire into voice acting.

2002: Voice Acting in "The Simpsons"

In 2002, Lander reprised his well-known role as Squiggy in an episode of the animated sitcom "The Simpsons", bringing the beloved character to a new audience.

2002: Autobiography Publication

Lander published his autobiography, "Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody", in 2002, detailing his life with MS.