Actor Beans Morocco, known for his roles in various films like “Blazing Saddles,” “Used Cars,” “Eating Raoul,” and television shows such as “Mork & Mindy,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Growing Pains,” has passed away at the age of 90.
Morocco passed away on May 29th in Bakersfield, California, as confirmed by his friend Ryan Wise to The Hollywood Reporter. In his last role, he played an ex-convict navigating life independently after years in the Federal Witness Protection Program in the 2024 comedy “Killing Cookie,” a film penned and directed by Ryan Wise.
“He was always performing — always entertaining — and he made everyone feel good,” Wise said.
Born as Dan Barrows, he later chose his unique stage name in the late 1980s. This petite actor was also featured in various notable films such as Clint Eastwood’s “Any Which Way You Can” (1980), Howard Storm’s “Once Bitten” (1985), Wes Craven’s “New Nightmare” (1994) and Rob Reiner’s “The American President” (1995).
After appearing as one of the townsfolk in Mel Brooks’ film “Blazing Saddles” (1974), he later starred as Stanley Dewoski, a character coaxed by Kurt Russell’s character Rudy Russo to a plot across a perilous street with a 10-dollar bill on a fishing line in Robert Zemeckis’ film “Used Cars” (1980).
Later, he put on a children’s overalls to act out the role of a man seeking unconventional intimacy from Mary Woronov’s character. He said, “Haven’t I been naughty, haven’t I, Mommy? Are you going to discipline me and teach me the right way?” in Paul Bartel’s iconic film Eating Raoul (1982).
Daniel Ernest Barrows was born on June 8, 1934, in Cincinnati. Following his graduation from Walnut Hills High School, he pursued higher education at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Subsequently, he served in the U.S. Navy and trained to become a pilot. He spent several years flying private aircraft afterwards.
In San Francisco, he honed his skills in comedy acting under Del Close’s tutelage, ultimately joining the group known as The Committee. There, he shared the stage with notable comedians such as Howard Hesseman, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Bonerz, and Alan Myerson.
In 1971, Barrows first appeared on screen in Tom Laughlin’s movie “Billy Jack,” alongside Myerson and Hesseman. After that, he was featured in Michael Ritchie’s film “The Candidate” (1972), and later made an appearance on the inaugural season of “The Bob Newhart Show” in 1973. In this TV show, his character required therapy due to others constantly treating him with disrespect, as if he was insignificant or small (Bonerz portrayed an orthodontist on the sitcom).
Back in ’73, I found myself cast in Steelyard Blues, my first big break under the direction of Myerson. It was a hilarious crime flick that let me share the screen with legends like Donald Sutherland, Jane Fonda, and Peter Boyle. What a ride!
As a gamer, I took part in the mockumentary “Smile,” directed by Ritchie, back in 1975. After that, I appeared in satirical skits for “Tunnel Vision” in 1976 and “Loose Shoes” in 1978. Later on, I teamed up with Myerson again for “Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach,” which hit theaters in 1988. In 1989, I joined forces with Bonerz, who had now taken up directing duties, for “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.
When I discovered that my pal, the talented cartoonist M.K. Brown, had dreamt up a character called Beans Morocco for National Lampoon magazine, I couldn’t help but ask her if I could borrow him for my own projects.
He made appearances in two episodes of Mork & Mindy and six episodes of Growing Pains, among many other TV shows. His extensive television career also included guest roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Harry O, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, WKRP in Cincinnati, Eight Is Enough, Soap, Laverne & Shirley, The Fall Guy, Matlock, Star Trek: Voyager, Murphy Brown, Clueless, and Scrubs, where he played the world’s slowest grocery bagger.
Or, more concisely:
He appeared in numerous TV shows, including Mork & Mindy, Growing Pains, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Harry O, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, WKRP in Cincinnati, Eight Is Enough, Soap, Laverne & Shirley, The Fall Guy, Matlock, Star Trek: Voyager, Murphy Brown, Clueless, and Scrubs. He also played a role in some of these series, most notably as the world’s slowest grocery bagger on Scrubs.
He resided in Pine Mountain Club, California, where he starred in plays, participated in parades on horseback, donned Santa suits for the children, and was bestowed the title of honorary mayor. Regrettably, he was swiftly removed from office… and orchestrated a prank by convincing everyone to gather at the gazebo. That was the punchline of one of his favorite jokes, as Wise remembered.
Among those who carry on are his longtime spouse, Diane; his sibling, Nancy; along with his cousins, Gail and William. Tragically, his son, Justin, passed away in March 2024 at the young age of 37.
Enjoy his work in his acting reel here.
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2025-06-12 16:54