Gilbert Lewis was an actor best known for his role as the King of Cartoons on season one of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The character wore a gold crown and a colorful ascot and jacket, and would introduce vintage cartoon clips played from a projector.

His role was recast in 1987 after production of Playhouse moved from New York City to Los Angeles. The role went to William Marshall, who played the king from 1987 to 1990.

Lewis also appeared on the television series General Hospital, Spenser: For Hire, Heartbeat, China Beach, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Cheers, New York Undercover and Law & Order.

In addition, he had some small film appearances, including the role of Detective Frank Valento in the horror film Candyman; Judge Ryland in Don Juan DeMarco, starring Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando and Faye Dunaway; and Rev. Marquez in Blaze, a 1989 film starring Paul Newman.

Lewis died May 7, 2015 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was 79.