20 Times TV Deaths Happened Because the Actor Died in Real Life

When these actors sadly died, their TV shows chose to have their characters pass away as well. For this list, we’ll be looking at beloved television characters who met their demises in their respective shows because the actor portraying them passed away. This means you can expect some prominent spoilers. Our list of TV deaths that happened because the actor died in real life includes Dr. Virgil Swann from “Smallville” (2001-11), Edna Krabappel from “The Simpsons” (1989-), Adam West from “Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-), Ernie ‘Coach’ Pantusso from “Cheers” (1982-93), and more. Do you remember feeling shocked about these characters’ deaths? Let us know in the comments below!
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#TV #PopCulture #Death #Actor #Actress #Series #Streaming #Cartoon #Comedy #Drama

[@donnahaynes138]

That episode of Riverdale where Archie's father passes away hits differently now following the untimely passings of both actors Luke Perry and episode guest star Shannen Doherty. R.I.P.

[@hannahlowe794]

True

[@gerardgarcia8501]

@@hannahlowe794 the og heather duke

[@Akira625]

The Sesame Street episode dealing with Mr. Hooper’s death was truly one of the most memorable moments on the show, and in children’s television as a whole. It was truly brave of the cast and crew to tackle the issue of death, and have the episode serve as not only as a memorial for both Will Lee and Mr. Hooper, but as an important teachable moment for all the kids watching.

[@chuumon95]

Have Luis and Bob’s deaths been confirmed on Sesame Street since their actors passed away?

[@Akira625]

@@chuumon95That I don’t know, but their characters were retired several years back when HBO took over Sesame Street.

[@RaymondHng]

@@Akira625 Emilio Ernest Delgado was best known for his role as Luis, the Fix-it Shop owner, on _Sesame Street._ He joined the cast of _Sesame Street_ in 1971 and remained until his contract was not renewed, in late 2016, as part of Sesame Workshop's retooling of the series. In December 2020, Delgado was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He died from the disease at his home in Manhattan, New York City, on March 10, 2022, at the age of 81. From 1969 to 2016, Bob McGrath was a regular cast member on _Sesame Street,_ playing the character of Bob Johnson. McGrath was one of the two longest-lasting human characters on the series since the show's debut. In July 2016, Sesame Workshop announced that McGrath would not return to the show for its 47th season because it would be re-tooling the series, but the company did say that McGrath would continue to represent the Workshop at public events. Sesame Workshop later announced that there would be talks to bring him back and that he would still represent _Sesame Street._ Although McGrath had not been in any new material since season 45, he subsequently appeared in online videos for the show. He also returned for the 2019 TV special _Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration._ McGrath died from complications of a stroke at his home in Norwood, on December 4, 2022, at age 90.

[@trinaq]

I remember crying watching the "Quarterback" tribute to both Finn and Cory Monteith. It gave the actors an opportunity to say goodbye to a beloved friend and coworker, and in Lea Michele's case, boyfriend.

[@hopegrimsley3427]

Cancer sucks. RIP to all of the actors who passed.

[@trinaq]

I'm glad that "8 Simple Rules" let the actors mourn John Ritter, by omitting the laugh track. Though, Katey Sagal states that they switched back to comedy too quickly.

[@olleselin]

R.I.P Carrie Fisher and Adam West❤

[@blueraccoon1088]

We lost a loving woman but we'll remember her as a princess and a man who played the role of a knight who can't get rid of a bomb...😢

[@zaccarpenter621]

you forgot to mention that when Christopher Reeve passed away the show had a tribute at the end of an episode saying that he made us believe a man can fly

[@freddiefan1973]

Michael Rosenbaum has a podcast called Inside of You (and a joint podcast with Tom Welling called Talkville) that he does from a studio in his house. On the wall behind the couch where guests sit is a Superman poster (probably an original movie poster from 1978) with that tagline. The episode of Smallville he guest starred on was one of my favorites because it was the passing of the torch to Tom Welling (according to people that knew Chris, he believed Tom was the future of the franchise and ALOT of us couldn't have agreed more)

[@chelseacanales8763]

I cried so hard when Mrs Wolowitz passed away. She was the funniest character on The Big Bang Theory 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@keirarees3179]

When Howard tells everyone it’s heartbreaking, Sheldon’s reaction was brilliant which I was glad about.

[@KHWendy28]

Well too me Brenda and Dylan are together in heaven😢😢😢 RIP to Shannen and Luke

[@RichardSeebald]

Shannen Dohety died as well last year from breast cancer five years after Luke Perry's death! God bless them both ❤

[@gerardgarcia8501]

we’ll miss the og heather duke

[@williamsloan9530]

I'm kinda sad that David McCallum didn't get a spot here.

[@mocowan6642]

Ducky 😭

[@maggiegarber246]

I thought the episode on NCIS was sweet. I knew from the opening scenes when McGee went to check on him how it was going to end. At least they didn’t have an episode where they talked about Ducky leaving the country or something. I really liked Ducky.

[@williamsloan9530]

@@maggiegarber246 I'm pretty sure it was Jimmy who checked on Ducky the morning he was found dead. I haven't watched the episode in a little while, but I'm fairly certain I'm right

[@cdonorab]

I'll never forget hearing when Corey Monteith died. Watched The Quarterback and cried my eyes out. So sad.

[@keirarees3179]

Oh same, I can’t watch the episode, it’s too hard.

[@catherinedorney6092]

This is a lovely list. Thank you

[@MsMojo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@antoniacosta6221]

They forgot to mention that Shannen appeared in Riverdale as a tribute/favor to Luke, who had been trying to get her on the show for years. She guest starred as one last favor to him.

[@Shorty_Lickens]

Allegedly the last thing Jack Soo told Hal Lindon before getting in the ambulance was "Must have been the coffee"

[@24esjay-24]

Kathryn Joosten’s character on Desperate Housewives openly talking about dying from cancer, then she (herself) died from cancer the night the last episode aired was almost poetic… ❤

[@mgfoster9197]

Correction: Kathryn Joosten died in June of 2012, two months AFTER the finale was shot.

[@24esjay-24]

@ I know, I didn’t say she died the last day they wrapped up/shot last episode. I said she died she the day it was aired - which would have been several weeks later…Two distinct differences.

[@RitselMedinaAbuan]

Malory (Jessica Walter 2021) from Archer, her last appearance Malory retired

[@elineff2791]

I grew up watching John Ritter since 1980, and I bawled like a baby when he passed, to me losing him was just like losing a great friend and a family member

[@lovipoekimo176]

Spock from the Prime universe died in the Kelvin universe when Leonard Nimoy himself died. The tribute they gave him in Star Trek Beyond was brief but appropriate.

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

Another honorable mention is Larry Orbach on Law and Order Trial By Jury.

[@cameronjr8]

Please do Top 5 Movie Adaptations of Musicals that were Amazing and Top 5 Movie Adaptations of Musicals that Turned into a Disaster.

[@Marysmith-kh7dt]

I was 6 when Mr hooper died. Still makes me sad.

[@bbsteele671]

Thank you so much for adding Kristoff. Neil played a big part in my life. I'm on my 46th season watching. When I lost my Mom when I was younger so I kept watching to hold on to her memory.

[@MADWORLD1427]

Frances Reid as Alice Horton on Days of Our Lives and Larry Hagman as JR Ewing in the reboot of Dallas are 2 others you should have mentioned.

[@Kresegoth]

Ritter's death was also addressed in Scrubs. He appeared only once in the show, but was established as a father of two characters (JD and his brother Dan) and as such was given a goodbye episode.

[@PerfectlyImperfect93]

I loved watching Lee Thompson Young in the Famous Jet Jackson 😭 rip 🕊️

[@AngelRevelation444]

I was going to say the same thing. That was the only show I saw him in. R.I.P. Lee Thompson Young.

[@heatherschall6470]

What about Sonia Eddie from general hospital who played as epiphany

[@alyzu4755]

😞

[@tnysgrl41]

And Jaclyn Zeman, who played Bobbie Spencer

[@stingrey1571]

I know you can’t really ranked deaths but Phil Hartman should be no.1 as his death effected THREE shows, newsradio, the Simpsons, and 3rd rock from the sun.

[@Akira625]

Also Futurama, as he was supposed to play Zapp Brannigan

[@stingrey1571]

@ FOUR SHOWS!!!

[@sjj39]

Miguel Ferrer was grossly underrated.

[@alyzu4755]

I was pretty young when "Barney Miller" premiered, and would watch it with my family. I remember my parents were very emotional at that toast. The Mr. Hooper scene STILL makes me cry. And the brilliant John Spencer. R I P. P.S, I met Luke Perry briefly once. He was a lovely man. I'd like to think that he and Shannon Doherty are reminiscing up there. Finally,vJohn Ritter...that one hurt a lot.

[@candyarmstrong9147]

I cry every time I watch the episode of Rizzoli and Isles where they write in the death of Lee Thomas Young’s character dies because it is so hard to know he had killed himself in real life. What a tragedy that he didn’t see how great an actor he was😢

[@maggiegarber246]

I know. And he was such a beautiful young man.

[@elisaofedoras861]

You have forgotten one great actress who passed away when she was filming the series peaky blinders. Helen McCrory died during the filming of season six.

[@emilywhite3823]

Cory Montieth’s death was tragic for everybody, especially for me because I would’ve started watching Glee in 2016 and didn’t know and had such a big crush on him. I didn’t know he had died until I got to the fifth season of Glee and read about it online.

[@annpaq8342]

Same with me. I started watching Glee in 2018 but I knew Cory Monteith had passed five years prior.

[@keirarees3179]

I’d watched it prior to Cory’s passing, I was heartbroken and cried when I read about it on Insta.

[@gerardgarcia8501]

RIP Corey Monteith and Naya Rivera

[@emiliobello2538]

Thanks for this

[@katietalley3776]

Suddenly Susan's David Strickland, was missed in this montage. He passed away in March of 1999. The cast did a tribute to him in the season 3 finale and the show really wasn't the same after that. It was canceled in season 4.

[@morrisfoston2]

They missed Ducky Mallard (David McCallum) from NCIS. One of the original actions in the series.

[@declanmcardle]

"tiny droid-projected messages..." 🙂

[@JamesHerington]

Very cool tribute. May they all rest in peace

[@RealTalk1411]

Neil's death was way too low on the list. He should've been in the Top 10 for sure. I will never forget the funeral episodes. That wasn't acting, those were real tears. I remember reading an interview with Bryton James who played Devon Hamilton saying at that when he heard of Kristoff's passing, he went to see Christel Khalil who played Lily Winters immediately. All of them were very close to Kristoff and Bryton knew his sister wasn't okay. Of course Paul Hennessy's death was #1. Who else would it be? No one else deserved the top spot. You also forgot that the tribute episode showcased the emotions of the actors, those were real tears. All of the actors were openly grieving and I am glad that the show's producers gave them the space and the capacity to do that. Kaley has never been the same since his death and still gets emotional when talking about him. She is also still very close to John's wife and his kids.

[@ShareefahSullivanakaDragonwolf]

What's crazy is way before my time was three's company. I watchted the heck out of that show. John Ritter made me laugh in all of his career. I hoped to have met him. To hear he passed in the hospital he was born in. And then. Knowing that his son kept his memory going in his own right. I love it. The famous Jett Jackson show got me through. Seeing a handsome young black man being a successful spy paved the way for Zendaya show. Both not that much alike. But a impact. Rest in peace 🙏 John Ritter and always be known to me the famous jett Jackson. I pray they both are at peace. No longer in pain. ❤ Corey montieth to. He was handsome and talented and I know he loved his girlfriend. Everyone goes through shit behind closed doors. But the memories and impact are always forever. Hartman his death still shocks me. His impact when i was young I actually remember. Its just sad his kids lost both parents and that no one knew to see how to help that women before the murder suicide. It's still shocking. REST in peace to everyone. On this list and in real life.

[@keirarees3179]

I’ll never forget when I heard about Cory Monteith, I was devastated and cannot watch The Quarterback episode. Especially now since Naya passed away also, loved both characters may they both RIP.

[@kstormgeistgem461]

you missed when Suddenly Susan had to write the end of one of their beloved characters because the actor, David Strickland gave into his mental illness and ended his life. the show was never the same after that. it had many people just leave because the air was just gone out of it.

[@davidyoung6649]

Could have included Catherine Chancellor from Y&R, and both Jock and JR Ewing from Dallas

[@blueraccoon1088]

Edna may had so much hard hearts but they broke her but meeting ned I'll cry at the wedding and more when i think of people who i lost 😢 and she taught a generation of bright futures like someone i knew...

[@dianis0520]

Do a 10 most hated main female characters it will be awsome, we have Serena from GG, Marisa Cooper from The Oc, Lana Lang from Smallville, Laurel Lance from Arrow, Iris West from the Flash, Peyton Sawyer from OTC etc...

[@acalia_sariah]

I had to stop watching "8 Simple Rules" after the "Goodbye" episodes. The way that he was written off, and the episode following his death was so gut-wrenchingly painful to watch that I had to stop watching the show after that. The episode felt so authentic - with the whole thing just being everyone crying about "Paul's" death - it probably wasn't even scripted, and was just an on-screen memorial for John. It's beautiful, in a way, that you get to grieve with the cast like that, but it was so painful to watch. RIP John Ritter❤

[@JackiePollard-rp3bq]

Me too

[@divamh10]

How is Larry hagman not memtioned????? As he died during the revival of dallas

[@kpanyc]

Oh man, I haven't thought about the show Gimme a Break in decades. I loved Nell Carter - hell, she helped raise me through watching that show It deserves more cultural recognition.

[@SandiByrd]

Mr. Hooper was my first experience with death as a child....I was devastated. They handled it so well....and my parents did too.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Happy sunday, buddy, take care and God bless you. Greetings from Colombia to you as well

[@thewood101566]

Missing is Larry Hagman who played JR Ewing

[@sirenhead67]

It was sad that Beverly hills 90210 reboot didn't include him and give him a tribute he so definetly deserved. I'm glad that Riverdale honored Luke Perry like they did

[@AcidCasper17]

They had a tribute to Luke Perry at the end.

[@SPAnComCat]

This Oughta be Good!

[@NiqueSmith]

I remember when Conrad says the famous quote "Just Be Careful Out there!." (Hill Street Blues).

[@shaliseshaw9385]

Larry Hagman, Walter Massey(Arthur), Kathleen Freeman(As Told By Ginger), Robin Williams, Cameron Boyce, Leonard Nimoy, Sonya Eddy, Kristoff St. John, and other actors who died should've been included. 📺📺📺📺📺📺📺

[@jeremywilliams5141]

Honorable mentions: 1. Al Royal (The Royal Family) played by Redd Foxx 2. Todd Stites (Suddenly Susan) played by David Strickland

[@Kinsfire]

I remember the Barney Miller one because of the episode they did where it was the ACTORS talking about him, the actor. First time I'd ever seen a show do that. Actually, the ONLY time a show has done that to my knowledge. They cared so much that they wanted to make sure people saw Jack, not just Nick.

[@linusholm3806]

My wish list: Top 10 disney junior shows Top 10 strongest non devil fruit attacks in one piece Top 10 unimportant pokemon episodes (no catching new pokemon, no evolving, no gym/pokemon leage battle, no meeting new rivles, etc) Top 10 underrated animated disney series Best disney movie per decade Top 10 disney reprise songs (deleted included) Top 10 disney villains that deserved a villain song Top 10 disney couples with a tough start (Both movies and tv-series) Top 10 what have I done moment excluding disney and pixar Top 10 disney movie ideas (by you) Top 10 James earl jones movies 👍😉

[@mjbaz1]

You forgot Diana Hyland, who played Joan Bradford in the first season of Eight is Enough. She died of breast cancer after filming only 4 episodes in the first season. You can't even tell she was ill, And she was amazing as the mom.

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

I was devastated to find out that Luke Perry died, he was great as Fred Andrews!

[@blueraccoon1088]

Miss W was a mother who loved her son and treated his friends like her kids but when she died sheldon and Howard despite in disputes they were brothers 🥛 to Debbie a loving mother we'll miss you Carol Anne susi

[@DebiG1057]

I ugly cried for a while. I loved that show. I am a senior former high school choir member.

[@CJ_Pharaoh]

Rest in peace 🕯️🙏

[@winni-ibarakumo3142]

Redd Foxx died of a heart attack in 1991 during rehearsal of The Royal family, more popularly known for Stanford and Sons

[@KristinHTF]

Chef from South Park is one to note as well. 🕊️

[@jovancis6035]

Isaac Hayes was still alive when Chef was killed off

[@KristinHTF]

@jovancis6035 I know, but he also died after that.

[@brianm6117]

He wasn't written out because he died. He was written out because he quit after he threw a fit that Parker and Stone made fun of Scientology. Some sources say that the people of Scientology made him quit. Either way, the title of this video is "TV Deaths Happened Because the Actor Died in Real Life" Hayes quit. He died two years after he was written out.

[@KristinHTF]

@@brianm6117 Ok, but it's still important to note :)

[@brianm6117]

@@KristinHTF It's not, because it's irrelevant to the video. That would be like mentioning Professor Proton was killed off in The Big Bang Theory and Bob Newhart died after the show ended.

[@letarogers6380]

Carrie Fisher also played Rob Delaney’s mother in the series Catastrophe. Her death was worked unto the show.

[@mrfloxin]

John Sanford should have been on the list. He really died from a heart attack on the The Royal Family set! I thought I let you know about it right now on KZbin Channel for sure period and that's that!

[@RowdyProwdy]

Jet Jackson offing himself absolutely devastated me..

[@amili36]

I still mourn Cory like I knew him and I’ve been grieving Shannen as she’s my favorite actress ❤rip to everyone in this video

[@kenjackson5907]

Add Jon Eric Hexum, who died on the set of Cover Up, killed off on special mission off screen.

[@BurrShotHam711Jenna]

may they all rest easy

[@lisab7977]

So many passed in 1985 😢

[@theresecallahan8548]

What about Dan Blocker and Thuy Trang?

[@elineff2791]

I was 5 when Mr. Hooper died

[@chuumon95]

What about Thuy Trang/Trini from Power Rangers or Annie’s dad on 7th Heaven?

[@boybawang1981]

Wuuutt!? 31 year old portraying a teen!?

[@angiemaniaciskatingfan723]

Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy, Passions)

[@Ryan_Hansen]

What about mako from ATLA ?? :(

[@jtomlin1uk]

Er...Larry Hagman???

[@aleksandrakettner905]

❤❤❤

[@RichardMcDowell-m8c]

Redd Foxx

[@Shorty_Lickens]

Holy fuck I'm old. I actually remember when Selma Diamond passed away, and Florence Halop. Oh by the way, little kids should not watch Night Court. It gives em a severely warped view of the world.

[@Trix897]

That’s exactly why kids should watch Night Court! We need more people with a warped view of the world!

[@Akira625]

I watched Night Court as a kid, though Dan Fielding’s sexual shenanigans weren’t exactly age appropriate.

[@gl3913]

This topic has been done more than once in the Mojo family including WatchMojo. What is the point of repeating this topic across multiple channels?

[@brianm6117]

Yet you not only clicked, but commented.

[@magicmike6961]

So Whats the opposite of Christopher Reeve? Christopher Walken.