Lander was a fellow student with Michael McKean at Carnegie Mellon University
and their partnership grew after graduation as part of the comedy group
The Credibility Gap with comedian Harry Shearer in Los Angeles. Lander and
McKean's breakthrough came in 1976 when they were jointly cast as the
Lenny and Squiggy characters on Laverne & Shirley (1976).
Published the book "Fall Down Laughing," about dealing with Multiple
Sclerosis.
(1997-) Baseball scout for the Anaheim Angels.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in May 1984, but kept his illness a
secret from the public for 15 years.
Hired by former Angels GM Bill Bavasi as a scout for
Seattle Mariners.