Peter Scolari, known for Roles in 'Newhart,' 'Bosom Buddies,' Dies at 66

LOS ANGELES – Veteran actor Peter Scolari, known for his roles in ABC's comedy "Bosom Buddies," starring Tom Hanks, died Friday at age 66.

He had battled cancer for two years, said his manager, Ellen Lubin Sanitsky of Wright Entertainment.

Scolari was also known for his role in the CBS’s 1982-90 sitcom "Newhart," starring Bob Newhart as a Vermont innkeeper, and for his Emmy-winning guest role on HBO's "Girls," where he played Tad Horvath, the father of Hannah, the show’s main character played by show creator Lena Dunham.

"Bosom Buddies" was the breakout role for both Scolari and Hanks, but aired for only two seasons, from 1980-82.

Scolari played nice, shy Henry to Hanks' boisterous character, Kip, two young professionals in New York who were forced to dress in drag in order to live in an affordable women's hotel.

Scolari is survived by his wife Tracy Shayne and his children Nicholas, Joseph, Keaton and Cali.