30 TV Deaths That Happened Because of the Actor's Death

Top-30-Times-TV-Deaths-Happened-Because-the-Actor-Died-in-Real-Life

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were looking at times when characters had to die because the actor did. Beware of spoilers!

Angela

Family Guy (1999-2003; 2005-)

Angela fits right into Family Guys chaos as Peters tough-as-nails supervisor. Someone had to keep Peter in line, or at least try to. That person was Angela. Sometimes she was his boss. Other times, she was a woman weirdly into him or simply someone who wanted him dead. Classic Family Guy, right?. Played by Carrie Fisher (yep! Princess Leia herself), Angelas deadpan delivery was the perfect contrast to the shows over-the-top humor. Sadly, after Fisher passed in 2016, Angela had to also die off-screen. But the show didnt let her go without a moment: Peter delivers a surprisingly heartfelt eulogy that might have you tearing up.

Judge Dennis

Ally McBeal (1997-2000)

Judge Dennis, aka Happy, wasnt a main character, but he definitely added some spice to this legal drama. This grumpy old judge occasionally gave Ally a hard time in court, and honestly, it pushed her to grow more. Anyone who remembers him knows one thing for sure - he doesnt mess around when it comes to personal care. Sadly, Judge Dennis time on the show was short. In the second seasons seventh episode, he suddenly dies while in court. The reason? Phil Leeds, the beloved actor behind the role, had died from Pneumonia in 1998. The show has just enough existing footage to craft a fitting end that matched the quirky tone. Despite being brief, its a heartfelt farewell to a scene-stealing legend.

Ella Mae Farmer

The District (2000-04)

Here, Lynne Thigpen doesnt play an angry parent who goes up against Morgan Freeman like she did in Lean On Me. Instead, she takes on the role of Ella Mae Farmer, a crime analyst known for her integrity, intelligence, and unwavering sense of justice. Thigpens portrayal brought warmth and depth to the role, giving Ella a commanding presence that was widely praised. Her death from a cerebral hemorrhage in 2003 hit pretty hard, both on and off screen. Many felt the series had lost a vital part. The series didnt shy away from the loss. In the episode titled Ella Mae, writers gave her a stirring farewell, with characters like Chief Jack Mannion and others visibly shaken, just like the viewers at home.

Lennie Briscoe

Law & Order franchise (1990-)

Played by Jerry Orbach, Lennie Briscoe was a beloved character on Law & Order. With his sarcastic wit and world-weary charm at crime scenes, Briscoe felt more human and relatable than most TV detectives. Also, beneath the one-liners was a deeper character - a man with alcohol use disorder and a flawed father. Briscoe stuck around for 12 seasons, which speaks volumes about how central he was in the franchises legacy. When he died from prostate cancer in 2004, it felt like the shows soul left with him. The seasoned detective made his final appearance in Law & Order: Trial by Jury. Though a memorial was planned, it was never shown. Instead, his absence is simply acknowledged when his former partners later mention hes gone.

J. R. Ewing

Dallas (2012-14)

Its no exaggeration to call J. R. Ewing one of TVs greatest characters. Played by Larry Hagman, this ruthless oil tycoon was the kind of character people loved to hate. He lied, schemed, and even betrayed family members just to stay on top. Yet, fans couldnt just get enough of him. Indeed, his presence made Dallas unforgettable. Who could forget the Who Shot J.R.? cliffhanger? One of TV's most-watched events, it cemented his legacy. But when the 2012 revival series came around, things took a somber turn. J. R. was shot again- this time for good. Viewers are made to believe he was killed by an unknown assassin, but in reality, it was Hagmans death that ended his story.

Glen Carter

The Blacklist (2013-23)

Only a few people can drive Raymond Reddington completely insane and get away with it. Glen Carter was at the top of that list. A DMV employee by day and Raymonds part-time tracker, Glen helped Red locate what or whoever needed to be found. Though he was stubborn, petty, and painfully slow, he somehow got the job done, and Raymond respected him for it. He truly brought the kind of humor that was rare in The Blacklists high-stakes world. When Glen died in Season 8, it wasnt just the loss of Raymonds dear friend. It was a heartfelt tribute to Clark Middleton, the actor who portrayed him. Sadly, both the character and actor passed from the West Nile Virus.

Andrew Campbell

Mad Men (2007-15)

During his short time on Mad Men, Andrew Campbell left quite a poor impression. He was the kind of father no son would want, especially not Pete. Distant and dismissive, he looked down on his sons profession. In Season 2, Andrew abruptly dies in a plane crash - a fittingly impersonal end for a cold character who kept everyone at arms length. But off-screen, the reason was far more tragic. His death reflects the real-life loss of actor Christopher Allport, who passed away in an avalanche in 2008. The writers wove this loss naturally into the show, giving Pete a lot to think about, though the real-life tragedy had come without warning.

Richard Gilmore

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016)

Lets be sincere, this heartwarming comedy-drama wouldnt have felt the same without Richard Gilmore. Portrayed by Edward Herrmann, he was an important figure in both Lorelais and Rorys lives. Sure, his old-school ways often clashed with Lorelais choices, but beneath that exterior was a man who cared for his child. Plus, he was a truly doting grandfather to Rory and grew even more lovable as the show progressed. While he survives a heart attack in the original show, Richard is nowhere to be found in the 2016 miniseries. In fact, his death kicks off an entire story arc since Hermann passed away in 2014. To honor him, the writers included a heartfelt funeral, paying their last respects to a beloved figure.

Dr. Charles Kroger

Monk (2002-09)

When youre a Sherlock-level detective with a host of phobias and extreme anxiety, you need someone like Dr. Kroger in your corner. Brought to life by Stanley Kamel, Dr. Kroger is Monks longtime psychiatrist and essentially his emotional lifeline. Their therapy sessions gave viewers a deeper look into Monks mind and were often as touching as they were funny. Unfortunately, after the shows break between seasons 6 and 7, Monks emotional anchor was gone forever. What happened? Kamel had died of a heart attack in 2008, and the character had to go in a similar fashion. It wasnt only Monk who was shaken by this development, fans were heartbroken too. Honestly, losing Kroger felt like losing a piece of the shows heart.

Gramps

Lassie (1954-73)

Many today might not remember this 1954 series about the heroic Collie dog named Lassie and her human companions. But for those who grew up with Lassie, theyll never forget Gramps, played by George Cleveland. No one embodied a sense of family more than this caring Grandpa. Not only was Gramps there for the boy and the dog, he anchored the show with old-school wisdom and a kind of warmth that was unforgettable. Then, suddenly, Gramps was gone! But it wasnt an intentional move to kill off the character. Cleveland had died of a heart attack during production. So, the show had no choice but to bring Gramps story to an end as well.

Peter Gregory

Silicon Valley (2014-19)

A major character in the first season of Silicon Valley, Peter Gregory was a socially awkward tech investor hoping to get a piece of Pied Piper. He was played by Christopher Evan Welch, who was unfortunately taken from us at a relatively young age. Welch was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 and passed away three years later at the age of 48. He died on December 2, 2013, four months before Silicon Valley premiered on HBO. Welch was about midway through filming the first season, having completed five of its eight episodes. It was later explained that Peter Gregory died while on a trip to the Serengeti.

Sergeant Phil Esterhaus

Hill Street Blues (1981-87)

A highly acclaimed police drama, Hill Street Blues was way ahead of its time and is regarded as a predecessor to the prestige cable dramas of the 2000s. Michael Conrad played Sergeant Phil Esterhaus, known for his iconic catchphrase, Lets be careful out there. Conrad won two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor before passing away in November 1983 from urethral cancer. Conrad was 58 years old, and the show was in the middle of its fourth season. Esterhaus was subsequently killed off, but not how you may think. Rather than going out in a blaze of glory, he dies while making love. Its different, but it sure is memorable!

Selma Hacker & Florence Kleiner

Night Court (1984-92)

This NBC sitcom suffered a number of tragedies with eerie similarities. The first two seasons starred a gruff, chain-smoking character named Selma Hacker, played by an actress named Selma Diamond. Unfortunately, Diamond died of lung cancer on May 13, 1985, just four days after the season two finale. Her character was killed off and replaced with Flo Kleiner, played by Florence Halop. Like Diamond before her, Halop died of lung cancer shortly after the conclusion of season three. And like her predecessor, Flo Kleiner was killed off, with her death being announced by Judge Harry Stone.

Carl Kanisky

Gimme a Break! (1981-87)

This was an incredibly successful sitcom in its day, running for six seasons between 1981 and 1987. It starred Dolph Sweet as Chief Carl Kanisky, a widowed police officer who is often at odds with his daughters. Sweet was informed midway through the fourth season that he had stomach cancer, but he continued to film the show. He ultimately died from the cancer on May 8, 1985, just three days before the fourth season finale. Sweets funeral was held on the night of its airing, with his co-star Nell Carter delivering the eulogy. Season 5 opens with an acknowledgment that Chief had died, and the episode is handled with mature grace as the characters learn to grieve his passing.

Neil Winters

The Young and the Restless (1973-)

Perhaps the most famous soap opera in TV history, The Young and the Restless has been going strong since 1973 and has aired well over 12,000 episodes. Between 1991 and 2019, Kristoff St. John starred as Neil Winters and won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his performance. St. John died at the age of 52 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart thickens to an abnormal size and is thus unable to pump blood correctly. His death occurred on February 3, 2019, and just two months later his character was killed off after suffering a stroke.

Sergeant Nick Yemana

Barney Miller (1975-82)

A popular ABC sitcom, Barney Miller took place within a police station and concerned the wacky officers that inhabited it. One of them was Sergeant Nick Yemana, a philosophical man known for making a particularly bad cup of coffee. Nick was played by Jack Soo, who died of cancer midway through the shows fifth season on January 11, 1979. It was later implied that Nick had died, and the fifth season ends with the episode Jack Soo, a Retrospective. It sees the actors breaking character to acknowledge the legacy of their coworker, and it closes with everyone raising a cup of coffee in salute.

Dr. Virgil Swann

Smallville (2001-11)

This superhero show about a young Clark Kent features an exceptionally cool cameo from Christopher Reeve, who played the hero in four Superman movies. In 1995, Reeve was in an accident that left him with paralysis, and his use of a wheelchair was written into the character of Dr. Virgil Swann. It was a brilliant and touching passing of the torch that honored the series iconic history. Unfortunately, Reeve fell into a coma after going into cardiac arrest and died on October 10, 2004. In the fourth season episode Sacred, which aired four months later, a newscast explains that Dr. Swann has also died.

Livia Soprano

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Our vote for the worst mother in TV history has to go to Livia Soprano. A real nasty piece of work, Livia served as a primary antagonist throughout the first two seasons, often coming into conflict with her son, Tony. This show is known for having some anticlimaxes, and Livias role is one of them. A major plotline between Tony and Livia is established at the start of the third season, but then she randomly dies of a stroke off-screen and the story is promptly dropped. This is because Nancy Marchand, the woman who expertly portrayed Livia, had died in real life after a bout with various lung diseases.

Barry Frost

Rizzoli & Isles (2010-16)

A TNT police procedural, Rizzoli & Isles stars Angie Harmon as Boston detective Jane Rizzoli. Her partner through the first four seasons was a computer whiz named Barry Frost, who was played by Lee Thompson Young. In August of 2013, Young was filming the fourth season of Rizzoli & Isles when he failed to show up to set. A well-being check was conducted, and it was found that Young had taken his own life. He was only 29 years old. Barrys last appearance occurs in the penultimate episode of season four, and its explained in the fifth season premiere that he died in a car accident.

Mrs. Wolowitz

The Big Bang Theory (2007-19)

Carol Ann Susi was a highly talented voice actress. With nothing but her signature rasp, Susi made the unseen Mrs. Wolowitz an enduring, hilarious, and unforgettable character. And she died as she lived - completely off-screen. Mrs. Wolowitz dies in the eighth season episode The Comic Book Store Regeneration, and its explained that she passed in her sleep while visiting her sister in Florida. Susis death was just as sudden and surprising. She went in for a medical procedure and discovered that she was suffering from cancer. Her health quickly worsened and she passed away just one week later at the age of 62.

Bill McNeal

NewsRadio (1995-99)

Phil Hartman brought his signature style of comedy to a variety of projects, including Saturday Night Live where he earned an Emmy. One of his most beloved roles was on NewsRadio as Bill McNeal, an egotistical yet hilarious anchor at the WNYX station. Hartman played McNeal for four out of five seasons. Tragically, after the shows 4th season, Hartman was fatally shot by his wife before she took her own life. The shows fifth season premiere was able to act as a tribute to the character by saying his character died off-screen from a heart attack. His absence on the show was definitely felt by all.

Ernie Coach Pantusso

Cheers (1982-93)

Every character on this classic sitcom brings their specific charm. For the bartender Ernie Coach Pantusso, it was his sweet but very dim-witted nature. Actor Nicholas Colasanto embodied Coachs personality flawlessly and turned him into one of the most popular characters. Sadly, the actor passed away in 1985 from a heart attack after playing Coach for the first 3 seasons. Since his passing occurred in the middle of Season 3, his character was initially just not not around. But the Season 4 premiere eventually confirmed Coach had died. Woody Harrelson was brought in to fill the role of the bars resident dummy with a heart of gold. During the finale, the show still took a moment to pay one final tribute to Coach.

Edna Krabappel

The Simpsons (1989-)

The Simpsons has an incredible cast of kooky recurring characters. One of the most frequently featured staples was the cynical elementary school teacher Edna Krabappel. During Marcia Wallaces 14-year history as the character, she earned an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance. In 2013, the actress passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Although Krabappels death was never explicitly stated on the show, there are several hints towards that being the case. Barts chalkboard message to her following Wallaces passing and several mentions of her from other characters made it clear that Edna didnt simply retire.

Mr. Hooper

Sesame Street (1969-)

Although the majority of the most famous characters from this educational series are puppets, Mr. Hooper certainly left his mark. While the owner of Hoopers Store could be a bit harsh, he undeniably had a warm heart. Will Lee played Mr. Hooper from the shows beginning in 1969 until 1982 when he died of a heart attack. No one wouldve blamed the kids show for writing the character off in a gentle way. However, the show decided to address his death through a storyline with Big Bird in a way its young viewers could understand. Sesame Street was praised for handling such a serious topic with sensitivity and understanding. They made sure that children and adults could say goodbye to Lees Mr. Hooper.

Owen Granger

NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-)

Miguel Ferrer went from playing Owen Granger recurring character on NCIS: Los Angeles to being a part of the main fabric of the show. While he was still acting on the program, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. A behind-the-scenes decision was made to reveal that the Granger character was also suffering from a cancer ailment caused by risky career choices. Within the show, the character left a hospital where he was being treated to spend time with his family. In real life, Ferrer had passed away in a house he shared with his loved ones. The show concluded Grangers storyline by letting the audience know he had died peacefully in a beautiful place.

Leo McGarry

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Aaron Sorkins The West Wing had a wonderful cast of deep characters and engaging plotlines that helped earn the show more than two dozen Emmys. One of its Emmys went to John Spencer, who played the Presidents Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry. McGarrys dynamics with other characters was fascinating to watch. His friendship with President Jed Bartlet was particularly engaging. Sadly, that friendship was cut short when Spencer died of a heart attack in 2005 part way through filming the shows final season. At the time, Leo was running for Vice President. The series had him also die of a heart attack on Election Night. In a touching moment, the writers made it clear Leo wouldve become Vice President.

Fred Andrews

Riverdale (2017-23)

Luke Perry became a teen icon while playing Dylan on Beverly Hills, 90210. He returned for a whole new generation of teen drama on Riverdale to play Archies father Fred Andrews. Thanks to Perrys fine work, his relationship with his son felt real and the character felt incredibly compassionate. The show demonstrated his selflessness by having Fred sacrifice his life to push a stranger out of the path of a speeding car. In reality, this turn was written in response to Perrys passing of a stroke in 2019 at just 52. Riverdales Season 4 In Memoriam episode served as a touching tribute to the character and actor. Perrys Beverly Hills co-star, Shannen Doherty, also made a guest appearance as the stranger he saved.

Finn Hudson

Glee (2009-15)

Cory Monteith was best known for playing Glees Finn Hudson. The star quarterback celebrated his love for singing by joining the signature club. After four years of playing the character, the world was rocked with shocking news. The 31-year-old was found dead in his hotel room with a mix of alcohol and other substances in his system. Following his death, the production start date for the shows fifth season was pushed back. They eventually addressed Finns passing in The Quarterback without giving details about how he died. For the remainder of the series, the show continued to honor the memory of one of the Glee Clubs brightest stars.

Adam West

Family Guy (1999-2003; 2005-)

For years, the silly antics of Mayor Adam West provided some of the best moments on Family Guy. Having the hilariously odd character actually be voiced by the former Batman star just made everything more delightful. In 2017, West died from Leukemia and, like the rest of us, Family Guy said goodbye to its mayor. But life in Quahog continued on. The towns high school was renamed after West in tribute. In his stead, his cousin Wild West, voiced by Sam Elliott, took his place.

Paul Hennesy

8 Simple Rules (2002-05)

Originally titled 8 Simple RulesFor Dating My Teenage Daughter, this sitcom followed the trials and tribulations of an overbearing father as his teen daughters began to date. Legendary sitcom actor John Ritter was praised for his take as family patriarch Paul. Tragically, he passed away of an aortic dissection while filming the second season. The show took a break in production to reshape the series. After it returned, the show spent an hour long episode to serve as a tribute to Paul. Subsequent episodes also showed the impact of his death on his family. While the show was never quite the same after Pauls absence, Ritter and his final leading role werent forgotten.

Which of these characters deaths hurt you the most? Let us know in the comment section.