[3] He studied drama at Temple University after serving as a tail gunner on a B-25 Mitchell in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

On TV, Fell portrayed Mike in Joe and Mabel (1955–1956),[7]: 536  Howie Fletcher in The Tom Ewell Show (1960–1961), Meyer Meyer in 87th Precinct (1961–1962),[7]: 302  Charles Wilentz in Dan August (1970–1971),[7] Nathan Davidson in Needles and Pins (1973),[7]: 748  Bernie Solkin in Executive Suite (1976–1977),[7]: 316  Richie's father in Richie Brockelman, Private Eye (1978),[7]: 893  and Ben Cooper in Teachers Only (1982–1983).

He continued the role as the co-lead with Audra Lindley playing his wife, Helen, on The Ropers,[7]: 910  a spin-off which lasted two seasons, airing from 1979 to 1980.

[4] On November 26, 1998 (Thanksgiving Day), Fell was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) after becoming too weak to get out of bed at his Marina del Rey home.

[4] He died at the Motion Picture and Television's retirement home in Woodland Hills, California on December 14, 1998, at the age of 74.