Soleil Moon Frye Mourns Passing of “Punky Brewster” Dad, George Gaynes

Soleil Moon Frye is mourning the passing of her TV dad, George Gaynes. Gaynes, who played her foster father on the TV show Punky Brewster in the 1980s, died on Monday at the age of 98. .@MoonFrye shar...
Soleil Moon Frye Mourns Passing of “Punky Brewster” Dad, George Gaynes
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • Soleil Moon Frye is mourning the passing of her TV dad, George Gaynes. Gaynes, who played her foster father on the TV show Punky Brewster in the 1980s, died on Monday at the age of 98.

    Taking to social media to express her emotions, Soleil Moon Frye shared a photo of her much younger self, in her role as Punky Brewster.

    “When I reflect on some of the most joyous moments in my life, they were shared with this incredible man. The universe just gained a gigantic star. You will be in my heart and soul always & forever. Your little Punky RIP George Gaynes Love to your family,” she captioned it.

    A photo posted by @moonfrye on

    In addition to Punky Brewster, George Gaynes appeared in General Hospital and The Six Million Dollar Man, and in the movie Tootsie. After filming the 2003 movie Just Married, starring Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Snow, he retired.

    In addition to Punky Brewster, Soleil Moon Frye played the role of Roxie King on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. She voiced several characters in animated TV shows and movies.

    George Gaynes was clearly very important to Soleil Moon Frye. They worked together when she was just an impressionable child. Surely he gets credit for part of who she is today.

    In addition to Soleil Moon Frye–his TV foster daughter–Gaynes is survived by his wife, actress Allyn Ann McLerie, his daughter, one granddaughter, and two great-granddaughters.

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