Norman Alden, 'Back to the Future' diner owner Lou, dies at 87

Character actor Norman Alden died July 27 of natural causes at the age of 87, his family tells the Hollywood Reporter. He was the quintessential "Hey, it's that guy" performer, with hundreds of television and film credits, including playing the AC Delco repairman for years in commercials.

Alden got started in the 1950s, appearing in recurring roles on "Not for Hire," "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp," "Rango," "My Three Sons" and "Gunsmoke." He also famously played a character who died by drowning in a bowl of Mary's chicken soup on "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman."

We remember him best as Lou the diner owner in "Back to the Future," who employs the future Mayor Goldie Wilson and is part of one of our favorite past-present-confusion conversations (video below).

Alden is survived by his children Brent and Ashley, a grandson and his longtime life partner, Linda Thieben.