Remembering Paxton Whitehead: Friends and Back to School Star Passes Away at 85
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It is with a heavy heart that we would like to pay tribute to the remarkably talented actor Paxton Whitehead, who recently passed away at the age of 85. Best known for his roles in hit TV sitcoms Friends, Frasier, and Mad About You, Paxton Whitehead made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and touched the hearts of millions with his performances. In honour of his memory, let's take a stroll down memory lane and celebrate his life and achievements.
Born in the quaint English village of East Malling in 1937, Whitehead was destined for the stage from an early age. At just 17, he began training at London's prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, laying the foundation for the successful career that was to follow. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1958 and seamlessly transitioned to Broadway, making his debut in 1962 with the play, The Affair.
Paxton Whitehead's theatrical career spanned almost six decades, comprised of a diverse array of critically-acclaimed stage productions. Among his notable performances, Whitehead received Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his portrayal of Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot. He also graced the Broadway stage in beloved productions such as My Fair Lady and The Importance of Being Earnest.
It's impossible to forget his memorable turn as Sherlock Holmes in The Crucifer of Blood from 1978 to 1979, a performance that captivated audiences during its impressive 236-show run at the Helen Hayes Theatre.
Whitehead's career saw an interesting evolution as he moved from traditional stage roles to comedic television appearances. In a 2017 interview, Whitehead revealed that farcical roles were among his favourites. 'Everybody says they are difficult to do, but it depends. You either have a knack for it or you don’t. I think it is hard for some people. I found it not so difficult. I don’t know. I just seemed to respond to it.'
On-screen, Whitehead garnered recognition for his roles as Rachel's Bloomingdale boss, Mr Waltham, in Friends, and as Hal Conway in Mad About You. His TV appearances also included Murder, She Wrote, Law and Order, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Desperate Housewives, where he portrayed the father of Susan Mayer's fiancé, Ian. He is also fondly remembered for his role as snooty college professor Dr Phillip Barbay in the 1986 movie Back to School.
Tributes have been pouring in from friends and colleagues across the industry.
Actor Dana Ivey fondly reminisced: 'We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in the Importance of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken.'
‘Paxton was loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him,’ a spokesperson for his management company, A3 Artists Agency, said in a statement.
English actor Jim Piddock also paid his respects, writing: '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.'
He is survived by his son Charles and daughter Alex.
For those wishing to revisit some of Whitehead's memorable performances, we suggest watching his guest appearances on Friends as Mr Waltham or his role in The Importance of Being Earnest to truly appreciate his masterful acting.
Whitehead's remarkable career and the respect he garnered from both audiences and colleagues alike demonstrate just how special he was. Today, we remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Paxton Whitehead, a beloved performer who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
If you have any fond memories of Paxton’s performances, we would love it if you could share them below.
May he rest in peace.
Born in the quaint English village of East Malling in 1937, Whitehead was destined for the stage from an early age. At just 17, he began training at London's prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, laying the foundation for the successful career that was to follow. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1958 and seamlessly transitioned to Broadway, making his debut in 1962 with the play, The Affair.
Paxton Whitehead dressed to the nines for dinner in 2007. Image Credit: Flickr
Paxton Whitehead's theatrical career spanned almost six decades, comprised of a diverse array of critically-acclaimed stage productions. Among his notable performances, Whitehead received Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his portrayal of Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot. He also graced the Broadway stage in beloved productions such as My Fair Lady and The Importance of Being Earnest.
It's impossible to forget his memorable turn as Sherlock Holmes in The Crucifer of Blood from 1978 to 1979, a performance that captivated audiences during its impressive 236-show run at the Helen Hayes Theatre.
Whitehead's career saw an interesting evolution as he moved from traditional stage roles to comedic television appearances. In a 2017 interview, Whitehead revealed that farcical roles were among his favourites. 'Everybody says they are difficult to do, but it depends. You either have a knack for it or you don’t. I think it is hard for some people. I found it not so difficult. I don’t know. I just seemed to respond to it.'
On-screen, Whitehead garnered recognition for his roles as Rachel's Bloomingdale boss, Mr Waltham, in Friends, and as Hal Conway in Mad About You. His TV appearances also included Murder, She Wrote, Law and Order, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Desperate Housewives, where he portrayed the father of Susan Mayer's fiancé, Ian. He is also fondly remembered for his role as snooty college professor Dr Phillip Barbay in the 1986 movie Back to School.
You can take a look at his iconic role here:
Tributes have been pouring in from friends and colleagues across the industry.
Actor Dana Ivey fondly reminisced: 'We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in the Importance of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken.'
‘Paxton was loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him,’ a spokesperson for his management company, A3 Artists Agency, said in a statement.
English actor Jim Piddock also paid his respects, writing: '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.'
He is survived by his son Charles and daughter Alex.
For those wishing to revisit some of Whitehead's memorable performances, we suggest watching his guest appearances on Friends as Mr Waltham or his role in The Importance of Being Earnest to truly appreciate his masterful acting.
Whitehead's remarkable career and the respect he garnered from both audiences and colleagues alike demonstrate just how special he was. Today, we remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Paxton Whitehead, a beloved performer who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
If you have any fond memories of Paxton’s performances, we would love it if you could share them below.
May he rest in peace.
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