Michael Winkelman, Little Luke of The Real McCoys, Dies at 53

Michael Winkelman as Little Luke on The Real McCoys

Michael Winkelman was an American child actor best known for playing Little Luke McCoy on the popular television series The Real McCoys, which aired from 1957 to 1963. He starred alongside Walter Brennan, who played Grandpa Amos McCoy. As the youngest member of the McCoy family, Winkelman became a familiar face in American households during the show’s six-season run.

His sister, Wendy Winkelman, also worked as an actress.

Michael Winkelman, Walter Brennan, and Richard Crenna in The Real McCoys TV show — Michael Winkelman, Walter Brennan, and Richard Crenna share a scene on The Real McCoys.

What happened to Michael Winkelman?

Winkelman passed away in 1999 at age 53 in Los Angeles, California. He is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside County, California, a resting place reserved for veterans and their families.

While the exact cause of his death has never been publicly disclosed, his passing has sparked speculation over the years. Some rumors have ranged from tragic accidents to more sensational claims, including suicide and even homicide, but none of these have been confirmed.

Despite his early fame, Winkelman stepped away from the spotlight in adulthood. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and later worked as a groundskeeper at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Though his acting career was brief, he left a lasting impression as a beloved child star.

Michael Winkelman Gravestone — In the picture: Michael Winkelman’s gravestone in California.