Norman Fell ( March 24 , 1924 -- December 14 , 1998 ) , born Norman Noah Feld , was an American actor of film and television , most famous for his role as landlord Mr. Roper on the sitcom `` Three 's Company '' and its spin-off , `` The Ropers '' .
Norman Fell ( Norman Noah Feld ; March 24 , 1924 -- December 14 , 1998 ) was an American actor of movie and television . He is famous for his role as landlord Mr. Roper on the sitcom `` Three 's Company '' and its spin-off , `` The Ropers '' .