Fred Berry, 52, Actor On 1970's Sitcom (Published 2003)

• Oct. 24, 2003

Fred Berry, the bulb-shaped, squeaky-voiced actor who played the character Rerun on the 1970's television sitcom ''What's Happening!,'' died here on Tuesday. He was 52.

The Los Angeles County coroner's office is investigating the cause of death.

''What's Happening!,'' which ran from 1976 to 1979, focused on three teenage friends -- Rerun, Raj and Dwayne -- who learn about life, women and trouble while growing up in Los Angeles. The name Rerun, according to Mr. Berry, referred to the character's brainlessness: In the summer, he had to rerun the classes he failed during the school year.

When ''What's Happening!'' ended, Mr. Berry said that he had lost more than $1 million to drugs and luxuries. With no acting jobs, he charged for appearances at shopping malls. Rerun brought him more success in 1985 when ''What's Happening!'' was revived as the syndicated ''What's Happening Now!,'' which ended in 1987.

By 1986 Mr. Berry said he had abandoned drugs, and he began speaking to churches and schools.

He recently appeared on the television shows ''Star Dates'' on the E! Entertainment Network and MTV's ''Doggy Fizzle Televizzle'' with Snoop Dogg, and in a cameo film role in ''Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.''

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