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After spending nearly seven decades in the entertainment industry, Hollywood icon Paxton Whitehead is dead. The English actor was a Broadway stalwart and regular guest in an array of ’90s sitcoms. The sad news about Frasier star Paxton Whitehead was confirmed by the actor’s son on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, the movie icon’s death came four months shy of his 86th birthday. Given that Whitehead was one of the biggest names in the movie industry, tributes have since poured in from fellow movie legends.
Paxton Whitehead Is Dead
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The movie industry and Broadway communities are in mourning for Whitehead. On Tuesday, the icon’s son Charles confirmed the tragic news to The Hollywood Reporter. Charles noted that his renowned father died on June 16 at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia. Shortly after Charles confirmed Whitehead’s passing, the Friends star’s team reflected on the huge loss. In a statement to E! News, the team said the actor was loved and respected by family members and everyone who knew him. Also, they described him as a cherished client known for his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft.
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
The team ended the statement by noting that Whitehead’s contributions will be remembered and cherished for years. Since the news of the icon’s death broke on the internet, many have taken to social media to pen tributes. In a statement shared on Twitter, actor Jim Piddock wrote that he was heartbroken to hear about his friend’s demise. Piddock described Whitehead as an extraordinary actor, a brilliant friend, and a wonderful human being. He finished by noting that the deceased meant so much to many people and brought smiles to people’s faces.
Inside Whitehead’s Career
Although Paxton Whitehead is dead, he will never be forgotten for the amazing roles he played. The thespian made his Broadway debut in 1962, appearing in the play The Affair. He featured in 16 other Broadway productions from 1962 to 2018, including The Importance of Being Earnest and My Fair Lady with Richard Chamberlain. In 1978 and I979, the actor famously starred as Sherlock Holmes in The Crucifer of Blood. The series ran for 236 performances at the Helen Hayes Theatre.
In 1980, Whitehead earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Pellinore in a revival of Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot. Six years later, the Frasier star made his film debut, appearing in Back to School. The icon would go on to feature in a number of TV shows, including Friends, in which he acted as Mr. Waltham, Rachel’s boss at Bloomingdale’s. Overall, with a successful career, Whitehead inspired many who will never forget him.