American actor George Gerdes has died aged 72, it has emerged.
The actor who most recently starred in Perry Mason is said to have taken in ill on New Year’s Eve, 2020, before being transferred to a hospital in Glendale, California.
George rose to fame as a singer-songwriter before making the transition to the small screen in 1968, playing the role of a thief in Come Back Baby.
He later starred as Pete Taylor in the hit series Our Family Honour before being cast in Miami Vice.
George’s life partner, Judy Johns confirmed the devastating news of his death to The Hollywood Reporter.
George Gerdes has died aged 72
His most notable roles were that of Grey’s Anatomy, The X-Files and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo before he played President Dwight Eisenhower in the sci-fi drama The 11th Green.
Gerde’s most recent casting saw him play Ray Scales, who runs a halfway house for veterans of the Vietnam War in the Amazon Prime drama, Bosch.
Since his death, fans and fellow actors have taken to social media to share their condolences.
The actor was best known for his role in Grey’s Anatomy (Image: 2020 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.)
Michael McKean, star of Better Call Saul penned: “Dear old friend… was a wonderful songwriter, poet and actor, much beloved by everyone who knew him. You would have liked him, too.”
While Titus Welliver added: “George Gerdes has departed. An actor’s actor and deeply kind man. Rest easy brother, we are fewer.”
Wesley Stace tweeted: “I am so sad to hear of the death of songwriter/actor George Gerdes.
“I used to sing one of his regularly early on in my career – how we first met. I played it once more today as a tribute to him. RIP George. Look for those records – they’re excellent.”
“George Gerdes was part of the Folk City scene when I waitressed there in the early 1980s. He went out west at some point and became a highly-regarded character actor. Funny guy. RIP,” said one fan.
Born in Queens, New York, in 1948, George is survived by his sister, Julia, and nephews Zachary, Michael and Will.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
