Actor Tom Bosley passes away in Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE - Actor Tom Bosley, who became a father figure to America through his role as Howard Cunningham on the iconic television series ''Happy Days,'' died today in Rancho Mirage.

Bosley, 83, died after a short battle with lung cancer, according to a statement issued by his family.

The Chicago native had bit parts in a variety of television shows in the 1960s, including ''Route 66,'' ''Car 54, Where Are You?,'' ''The Mod Squad'' and ''Marcus Welby, M.D.'' He was a semi-regular on ''The Debbie Reynolds Show,'' ''The Sandy Duncan Show'' and ''Love, American Style.''

He shot to fame, howev...