Fyvush Finkel was born on October 9, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York.  He spent most of his career in Yiddish Theater in "Fiddler on the Roof".  Did you know that he received an Emmy Award for his role in the T.V. series "Picket Fences"?

1. "Boston Public" (2000) TV Series .... Harvey Lipschultz (Social Studies Teacher)
2. Crew, The (2000) .... Sol Lowenstein
3. "Fantasy Island" (1998) TV Series .... Fisher
4. Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars, The (1998) (V) (voice) .... Hearing Aid
5. Nixon (1995) .... Murray Chotiner
6. Schelme von Schelm, Die (1995) (voice) .... Narrator
   ... aka Aaron's Magic Village (1997) (USA)
   ... aka Monde est un grand chelm, Le (1995) (France)
7. For Love or Money (1993) .... Milton Glickman
8. Pickle, The (1993) .... Mr. Shacknoff
9. "Picket Fences" (1992) TV Series .... Douglas Wambaugh
10. Mobsters (1991) .... Tailor
    ... aka Evil Empire, The (1991)
11. Q & A (1990) .... Preston Pearlstein
12. Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986) .... Mr. Greenblatt
    ... aka Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986)
13. Off Beat (1986) .... Vendor
14. Seize the Day (1986) .... Shomier
15. "Evergreen" (1985) (mini) TV Series .... Peddler
    
    

Minor television appearances

1. Monticello, Here We Come (1950)
2. Early Edition" (1996) playing "Phil Kazakian" in episode: "Weather Girl" (episode # 4.9) 11/20/1999
3. "Simpsons, The" (1989) playing "Himself, as Krusty"(voice) in episode: "Lisa's Sax" (episode # 9.3) 10/19/1997
4. "Early Edition" (1996) playing "Uncle Phil Kazakian" in episode: "Thief Swipes Mayor's Dog" (episode # 1.5) 10/26/1996
5. "Aaahh!!! Real Monsters" (1994) playing "Jackie Jarr"(voice) in episode: "Ickis! You'll be Snorched!" (episode # 2.16) 11/26/1995
6. "Chicago Hope" (1994) playing "Douglas Wambaugh" in episode: "Small Sacrifices" (episode # 1.12) 1/23/1995

Honoring Fyvush Finkel

Fyvush Finkel's role in Picket Fences  go to the episode guide on this page

    What do I think about Harvey...well, he probably was a great teacher...25 years ago.  His ideas are outdated, but he continues to hold true to his beliefs no matter how much students laugh at him.  I think he's just holding on until retirement, (which can't be too far off).  What I think he brings to the show is comic relief and contrast.  Contrast between what was and what is.  Without him, I think the show would be too serious and tense.  He is important to the flow of the program.

     As much as people may dislike his character, I don't think the show can live without him.

   Poor Harvey seems so lost in the modern school system.  Sadly, while he still has much to offer as an educator, it is completely overshadowed by his constant social gaffes and his unwillingness to change.  I understand, though, why Lauren wants to keep him on. He is a dear soul who means well.  I hope that his pairing up with Marla as a teaching team will help him to make some changes in the way he approaches education, as well as life in general.

1.  the gay linebacker  2.  "If I were a rich man"