Actor Al Molinaro, who played Al in the TV series Happy Days, has died at the age of 96 from medical complications.

Molinaro's son, Michael, confirmed his father had passed away at a hospital in Glendale, California.

He died from complications arising from gallstones, according to his son.

Molinaro featured in over 140 episodes of Happy Days, playing the owner of Arnold's Drive-In - the Fonz's favourite hangout.

The classic series set in 1950s Milwaukee - but filmed from 1974 to 1984 - made household names of it stars, including Henry Winkler as the Fonz and Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham.

Molinaro came into show in the fourth season, taking over the ownership of the drive-in from Arnold - who was played by Karate Kid star Pat Morita.

His character ended up marrying Chachi's mother - which also made him the Fonz's uncle.

Molinaro also appeared in the Happy Days spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi, as well as playing a simpleminded policeman in 1970s sitcom The Odd Couple.

He is survived by his second wife, Betty, his son Michael, and three grandchildren.

Molinaro appeared as Al in Weezer's 1994 video for the song Buddy Holly.