In Memory of Peter Scolari ('Bosom Buddies'/'Newhart'): 3 Years After His Tragic Death From Cancer

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It’s been three years since the tragic demise of Peter Scolari, a veteran yet youthful actor/comedian who initially found mainstream fame opposite Tom Hanks on ABC’s 1980s sitcom, Bosom Buddies. He later tripled that fame with a regular role on Newhart (CBS, 1982–1989). He died from leukemia at only 66 years old. This is his story.

A Closer Look

Peter Scolari was born on September 12, 1955, in New Rochelle, New York. Beyond Bosom Buddies and Newhart, he appeared in several other TV shows, such as The Good Fight.

In 2016, Scoleri won an Emmy Award for his performance as of Hannah’s father Tad Horvath on Girls.

But Buddies Started It All

ABC aired Bosom Buddies for only two seasons, but it has since become a cult favorite. On the show, Peter Scolari and Tom Hanks dressed as women to live in an affordable women-only apartment building.

After Newhart, Scoleri, who was married four times, appeared in a TV adaptation of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the small screen Gotham, and portrayed Peter Madoff in HBO’s Madoff.

An acclaimed stage actor, Scolari starred in Broadway productions of Hairspray, Sly Fox, Wicked, Magic/Bird, and Lucky Guy, the latter in which he reunited with Tom Hanks.

Lasting Impression

Peter Scoleri left this world too soon but also left an immense body of work on screen that will remain beloved by his countless fans around the world.