Al Lewis, the man who played Grandpa Munster on the 1960s TV comedy The Munsters, has died at the age of 82.

His death was announced by New York radio station WBAI-FM, where he hosted a weekly series before his death.

“To say that we will miss his generous, cantankerous, engaging spirit is a profound understatement,” said program director Bernard White.

Lewis was most famous for his role as Grandpa Munster, for which he donned a Dracula costume.

After finishing with the ?60s sitcom he went on to star in films like They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and Married to the Mob.

In the ?90s Lewis turned to politics, running as the Green Party candidate for the governorship of New York.

In 2003 complications during surgery forced an emergency bypass and the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Karen, three sons and four grandchildren.