Michael Thoma, Actor In Television's 'Fame'

Published: September 9, 1982

HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 8— Michael Thoma, who played a drama teacher on the television program ''Fame'' and a family friend on ''Eight Is Enough,'' died Friday after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 55 years old.

Mr. Thoma, who died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, last season portrayed Greg Crandall, a kindly but demanding drama teacher, on the ''Fame'' series. From 1975 to 1978 he played the role of Doc Maxwell, the best friend of the father, on ''Eight Is Enough.''

He also appeared in several television movies and in episodes of series including ''Studio One,'' ''The Waltons,'' ''The Bionic Woman,'' ''The Rookies,'' ''The Rockford Files'' and ''General Hospital.''

Mr. Thoma started his acting career in 1943 as a high school student working in a radio serial in Philadelphia. He served in the Army during World War II, then entered the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and graduated in 1948 with classmates who included Grace Kelly, Don Rickles and Anne Bancroft.

He taught at the academy in the 1950's and in 1974 helped open the school's western campus in Pasadena, Calif., where he later served as a teacher, administrator and director.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Bennett, and two children. A memorial service was scheduled for next Saturday at the academy's western campus.