Vic Tayback, known to millions of television viewers as Mel the crusty diner owner on "Alice," died Friday of a heart attack, his agent said. The actor was 60.

Mr. Tayback, who had a history of heart trouble, including triple bypass surgery in 1983, died at home in his sleep at 1 a.m., said Fred Amsel, his agent and friend of 20 years.

Mr. Tayback, who played loudmouth Mel Sharples for nine years, appeared on several other TV series, including "Star Trek," "Bonanza," "The Rookies," "Emergency" and "Barney Miller."