Friends and Frasier star Paxton Whitehead has died, aged 85

A legend of the stage and screen.

Paxton Whitehead, who appeared in sitcoms such as Friends and Frasier, has died at the age of 85. A regular on Broadway, the actor passed away on Friday at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, confirmed his son Charles to the Hollywood Reporter. Whitehead appeared in the fourth season of Friends in 1998 alongside Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green's boss in the department store Bloomingdales. Whitehead also appeared on Frasier as Dr. Campbell in the episode 'A Lilith's Thanksgiving'. Other credits include the likes of Caroline in the City, Ellen, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Drew Carey Show and Mad About You. Whitehead earned a Tony nomination for his role as Pellinore in Camelot opposite Richard Burton in the 1980's. He also appeared 16 other times on Broadway over 50 years, including performances in My Fair Lady and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Heartbroken to hear my dear friend and mentor Paxton Whitehead has passed away. He was an extraordinary actor, a brilliant friend, and truly wonderful human being. He meant so much to so many people and always brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered. pic.twitter.com/jKQksZ0myv

— Jim Piddock (@realjimpiddock) June 19, 2023

Born on Oct 17, 1937, in Kent, England, Whitehead trained at London's Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art at 17 before being signed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1958. His last television appearance came in 2007 on Desperate Housewives, where he played Graham Hainsworth. His final film appearance came in 2001 in the rom-com Kate & Leopold. In addition to his son, he is also survived by his daughter, Alex.

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