Mantooth shot to fame in 1972 when he was cast in “Emergency!,” the NBC drama that introduced the profession of paramedics to millions of viewers.
Randolph Mantooth, the actor best known for playing firefighter-paramedic Johnny Gage on NBC’s hit 1970s series “Emergency! ,” has died. He was 80. Mantooth died Thursday at a hospice facility in Ventura, Calif.
, after a long illness, his brother Donald Mantooth toldDonald said the actor had “been ill for a number of years and kept getting thinner and thinner. ”Floyd McCarty/NBC via Getty Images Mantooth shot to fame in 1972 when he was cast as Johnny Gage on “Emergency! ,” the NBC drama that introduced the profession of paramedics to millions of viewers.
He starred alongside Kevin Tighe on the series, which ran for six seasons, and performed most of his own stunts. The actor later reprised his role as Gage on shows including “Adam-12” and remained a longtime advocate for firefighters, paramedics and EMTs. Mantooth recalled the positive reception he received from firefighters after the show aired, saying the “Emergency! ” cast “did not want to make them look bad.
”said in a 2013 interview, according to the Television Academy .
“Because there’s always shows about cops. There’s always shows about lawyers and doctors. But here’s a show about the fire department! I mean, their hair stood up on end.
It’s like, ‘yeah, honey, that’s what I do!
'” Randolph Mantooth poses with his vehicle from “Emergency” at The Hollywood Show in Los Angeles, July 8, 2017. “They took to us well because we did not want to make them look bad. We wanted to make them look like exactly who they were — heroes,” Mantooth added.
“Now, everyone’s got to have a flaw. It drives me crazy. I don’t care about your flaws. Just show me what you do.
How’s the job done? And do it real. Show me! ” Born in Sacramento, Calif.
, Mantooth discovered acting through school plays after his family settled in the Santa Barbara area,He attended Santa Barbara City College before earning a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images After being spotted in a stage production of “Philadelphia, Here I Come,” he signed with Universal and launched his television career. Before “Emergency!
,” he appeared on series including “Ironside,” “The Virginian,” “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “The Bold Ones,” “McCloud” and “Alias Smith and Jones. ” After the show ended, Mantooth continued acting for decades, appearing on “Dallas,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “The Love Boat,” “Criminal Minds,” “Ghost Whisperer” and “Sons of Anarchy.
” He also had a lengthy run in daytime television, playing Clay Alden and later Alex Masters on “Loving,” Richard Halifax on “General Hospital,” and appearing on “One Life to Live,” “As the World Turns” and “The City. ” Mantooth’s “Loving” co-star Rena Sofer mourned her “dear friend” and mentor, who “took me under his wing.
” “I have so much to say about him, so much love for him that I am left speechless,” Sofer posted on Instagram on Friday night.
“This man came into my life when I was 18 years old and never left. He took me under his wing as he did to most young actors he ever met. He treated me with respect and kindness but most of all friendship.
“We have been lifelong friends and I cherish every moment I had with him. He was a friend to so many, a true great friend. ”Welcome to the Page Six Community! Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations.
We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space. Simply put, keep it civil. Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kindUser accounts will/might be blocked if we notice:Racist, sexist, or homophobic commentsStay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across.
Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!
Floyd McCarty/NBC via Getty Images Randolph Mantooth poses with his vehicle from"Emergency" at The Hollywood Show in Los Angeles, July 8, 2017. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Please follow us on Google to support usActors Celebrity Deaths Obituaries
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Randolph Mantooth, Firefighter-Paramedic Johnny Gage on ‘Emergency!,’ Dies at 80He partnered with real-life pal Kevin Tighe (Roy DeSoto) on the popular NBC series, then did lots of soap operas.
Read more »
Randolph Mantooth Dead: 'Emergency!' Star Who Appeared On Soap Operas Was 80Randolph Mantooth, who starred as a paramedic on the 1970s NBC series 'Emergency!' along with turns on multiple soap operas and other show, died July 9 at 80.
Read more »
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ actor, dies at 80: ReportsActor Randolph Mantooth, best known for his iconic role as Johnny Gage on 'Emergency!,' has died at 80, according to reports.
Read more »
Randolph Mantooth, who played medic in NBC’s ‘Emergency!’, dies at 80Mantooth played firefighter and paramedic John Gage in the NBC show that aired from 1972 to 1977.
Read more »