Paxton Whitehead, Broadway star and “Back to School” actor, died Friday at the age of 85 in a hospital in Arlington, Virginia.
Whitehead’s death was confirmed by his son, Charles Whitehead, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Whitehead appeared on Broadway more than 17 times and was a recognizable face on hit sitcoms, “Mad About You” and “Friends.” The famous actor earned a Tony nomination for his performance in “Camelot,” and boasted an impressive portfolio of accolades after spending more than half a century in the entertainment industry.
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
Some of Whitehead’s most memorable moments include a Tony nomination for his role as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of “Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot,” where he starred opposite Richard Burton, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He also starred as Sherlock Holmes in 1978-79’s “The Crucifer of Blood,” for which he was nominated for four Tonys and won one.
His Broadway production appearances include “My Fair Lady” with Richard Chamberlain, “Lettice and Lovage,” “Noises Off,” as well as “The Importance of Being Earnest,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Whitehead transitioned from the live stage to the big screen in 1986 in his movie debut in “Back to School.” He portrayed the dean of the business school at Grand Lakes University, Dr. Philip Barbay.
‘Back To School’ actor Paxton Whitehead dead at 85 https://t.co/XRayHhmXbF pic.twitter.com/kr3D9NMSjo
— New York Post (@nypost) June 20, 2023
The famous actor also played the role of the uptight resident in NBC’s “Mad About You,” a role that he was committed to from 1992-1999. Whitehead famously worked with Jennifer Aniston on “Friends” when he played the role of Mr. Waltham, Rachel Green’s boss when she worked at Bloomingdales.
Whitehead’s movie credits also include “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Baby Boom,” “The Adventures of Huck Finn,” “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “The Duke,” “Kate and Leopold” and “The Aristocrat.” (RELATED: ‘The Young And The Restless’ Star Brett Hadley Dead At Age 92)
His small screen successes include roles on “Magnum, P.I.,” “The A-Team,” “Hart to Hart,” “Ellen,” “The West Wing,” “Frasier,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Dinosaurs,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
Whitehead is survived by his son, Charles, and his daughter, Alex.