A familiar face from classic television made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles this week — a Hollywood veteran best known for his role on a beloved 1970s sitcom and for directing more than 350 episodes across multiple TV series.
The 87-year-old entertainer began his professional career in the mid-1960s, landing one of his early screen credits in an episode of The Addams Family.
He went on to book smaller parts on popular shows including That Girl and Hawaii Five-O before securing a standout role on a CBS comedy that premiered in 1972 and ran for six seasons.
His career later expanded behind the camera, where he became a prolific television director with credits on major series such as Friends, Home Improvement and Murphy Brown.
Before becoming a fixture on television, he also honed his comedic skills as part of an improv troupe that included Rob Reiner.
So, can you name the star?
A Hollywood veteran known for a hit 1970s sitcom and a long directing career was seen during a rare outing in Los Angeles this week — can you guess who it is?
It is Peter Bonerz, best known to television fans as orthodontist Dr. Jerry Robinson on The Bob Newhart Show.
The star stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday alongside his wife Rosalind DiTrapani, whom he tied the knot with in 1963.
Bonerz kept it casual wearing a short-sleeved, blue shirt as well as a pair of light yellow pants.
He additionally slipped into a pair of comfy sneakers while enjoying the summer weather amid the daytime excursion.
His wife, whom he shares two children with, opted for a plain white top and dark navy trousers.
The pair were seen strolling underneath the warm sunshine and at one point, flashed small smiles as they held a lighthearted conversation.
Daily Mail has reached out to a rep for Bonerz for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Bonerz was born in New Hampshire in August 1938 and grew up in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
It is Peter Bonerz, who is known for playing orthodontist Dr. Jerry Robinson on The Bob Newhart Show; seen above (left) on the 70s sitcom with Newhart (right)
The star stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday alongside his wife Rosalind DiTrapani, whom he tied the knot with in 1963
Bonerz kept it casual wearing a short-sleeved, blue shirt as well as a pair of light yellow pants
He additionally slipped into a pair of comfy sneakers while enjoying the summer weather amid the daytime excursion
The pair were seen strolling underneath the warm sunshine and at one point, flashed small smiles as they held a lighthearted conversation
He later attended Marquette University where graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. During his time studying at the college, the star was also a part of the Marquette University Players.
After graduation, he began to pursue his interest in theater in New York City.
Following his compulsory service as a draftee in the United States Army, he became a part of the improv troupe called The Committee in San Francisco which had also included the late Rob Reiner at the time.
In 1965, he landed his first professional acting role in an episode of The Addams Family.
He appeared in other shows such as Summer Fun, That Girl and Story Theatre before landing a larger role on The Bob Newhart Show.
Bonerz played Dr. Jerry Robinson on the sitcom from 1972-1978. He also notably directed 29 episodes of the CBS series.
‘Somebody asked me on the airplane the other day why the Newhart show was so much better than what is on now. I don’t know if anybody knows the answer to that,’ Bonerz told OnMilwaukee back in 2003.
He added that if he ‘had to pick one thing, I would have to credit the writing.’
‘We did that show with some of the best in television when they were ready to break new ground, including James Brooks,’ the actor shared to the outlet.
Following his compulsory service as a draftee in the United States Army, he became a part of the improv troupe called The Committee in San Francisco which had also included the late Rob Reiner at the time; Reiner seen in 2025
Other TV series that he directed over the years include E/R, Foley Square, ALF, My Sister Sam, Wings and Home Improvement; seen (left) with Tim Allen (right) on Home Improvement in 1996
The 70s not only gave him more acting roles, but also kickstarted his directing career as well.
He stepped behind the camera on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Archie Bunker’s Place and The Two Of Us.
Other TV series that he directed over the years include E/R, Foley Square, ALF, My Sister Sam, Wings and Home Improvement.
From 1994 through 1998, Bonerz notably directed 12 episodes of Friends such as The One With The Monkey and The One With The Worst Best Man Ever.
He additionally directed nearly 100 episodes of Murphy Brown from 1991 until 1998.
From 1994 through 1998, Bonerz notably directed 12 episodes of Friends such as The One With The Monkey and The One With The Worst Best Man Ever; seen second to left on Friends in 1997
The star’s most recent directing credits include two episodes of the 2011 CBS sitcom $h*! My Dad Says.
Bonerz also has an acting roster that includes Nine To Five (1982-1983), Murder, She Wrote (1986), Home Improvement (1997), Friends (1997) and Three Sisters (2001-2002).
He also appeared in an episode of Parks And Recreation as well as Melissa & Joey.
In 2021, he voiced the character of The Maestro in the short film titled Marcel The Shell With Shoes On.
