Raymond Allen

Raymond Gilmore Allen (March 5, 1929 – August 10, 2020) was an American actor best known for his appearances on television in the 1970s. He had recurring roles as Ned the Wino on the CBS-TV series Good Times, as Aunt Esther's long-suffering, prone to drink husband, Uncle Woodrow on the NBC-TV sitcom series Sanford and Son, and as mechanic Merle the Earl on Starsky and Hutch. Allen also made guest appearances on The Jeffersons, What's Happening!!, The Love Boat and the film Wattstax.

Personal life
Allen has not appeared in any acting roles since 1985, but still made infrequent public appearances, where he speaks and signs autographs. According to his MySpace page, Allen was forced to retire from acting due to illness. Allen, who was married to the former Barbara Williams from 1969 to 1977, lived with his daughter, former child actress Ta-Ronce Allen in Lancaster, California. He had made visits nearby Los Angeles area to visit his other daughter Brenda Allen.