Most knew Ned Wertimer as Ralph the Doorman on the popular, long-running sitcom “The Jeffersons.” The acting veteran, who recently passed away, was also an active committee and board member for more than 30 years with AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union.
He died at the age of 89 on Jan. 2 from complications following a fall in his home in Burbank, Calif., according to his agent, Brad Lemack.
Wertimer played Ralph for 11 seasons on the iconic TV show.
Within the credit union industry, Wertimer was a strong supporter of the movement, said Roger Runyan, president/CEO of the $200 million AFTRA-SAG FCU in Burbank.
The cooperative serves members of the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild.
It was around 1979 or so when Wertimer joined the credit committee and about four years later when he became a director, according to Runyan.
“He served continuously until his passing. He was an advocate for the members and very supportive of employees and the credit union. He had a passion for helping people, especially those in need,” Runyan said.
Wertimer was also active in political and political issues regarding civil rights, Lemack said in a statement. He was also very involved in AFTRA and SAG’s union contract negotiations and a voting member for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Emmy Awards, he added.
Known mostly for his acting role on “The Jeffersons,” Wertimer was a Navy pilot in World War II and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he performed in several theatrical performances. He later expanded his acting career on Broadway before securing the role on “The Jeffersons.” Wertimer went on to appear in more than 100 TV shows throughout his career.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Skyne Uku-Wertimer, his brother’s wife, Eleanor Walsh Wertimer, as well as one niece and nephew.
