W. Lanteau; Stage, Screen, TV Performer

Character actor William Lanteau, probably seen by more people in the film version of “On Golden Pond” than in any of the dozens of other films and stage plays he performed in more than four decades, died Wednesday in Los Angeles.

He had been admitted to Midway Hospital for heart surgery and died of complications, said publicist Dale C. Olson. Lanteau was 70.

Lanteau, a native of St. Johnsbury, Vt., began in show business after Army service during World War II.

He appeared on Broadway in “The Matchmaker,” “Mrs. McThing,” “At War With the Army,” “The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” and “Mister Roberts.”

He came to Los Angeles and continued a stage career in “What Every Woman Knows” at the old Huntington Hartford Theatre and “Detective Story” and “Catch My Soul,” both at the Ahmanson Theater, and in “Can-Can,” “She Loves Me” and “Silk Stockings” at Melodyland in Anaheim.

He also had parts in the movie and Broadway productions of “Li’l Abner.”

Television audiences knew Lanteau as Chester Wannamaker for several seasons on “Newhart,” the 1982-90 successor to “The Bob Newhart Show.” He made guest appearances on “The Wonder Years,” “Cheers,” “Trials of Rosie O’Neill,” “Cagney & Lacey” and other television series.

In “On Golden Pond,” he portrayed Charlie Martin, the mailman and old family friend in both stage and film versions.

Survivors include his brother, Robert. Memorial donations may be made to the Actors’ Fund of America.