Happy Days actor Gavan O’Herlihy, who starred as Chuck Cunningham in the iconic sitcom, has died aged 70.
His brother Cormac confirmed the news that he passed away on September 15 this year in Bath, England.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Cormac did not reveal the Irish star’s cause of death – though he did tell the outlet that it was not Covid-19 related.
Gavan appeared in seven episodes of hit US sitcom Happy Days as Chuck, a Jefferson High basketball star who later heads off to pursue a dream of college.
The actor admitted he “didn’t want to do” the role at first, though it turned out to be his “big break”.
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
In an interview, he admitted: “I pulled out of it, I didn’t want to do it.
“They had me at college, I was going to grunt and bounce a basketball once every couple of weeks for probably three or four years.
“And at 20 years old, that’s not the gig you want to be doing. But that was my big break; that got me established around town as a kid who got hot in a hurry.”
When he did officially quit the show, Gavan’s character Chuck was replaced by Randolph Roberts.
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
He went on to make his name in shows like Jonathan Creek, Twin Peaks and A Killing on the Exchange.
His final project is still in post-production according to his iMDB page, as he is set to star as John Anderson in Queen of the Redwood Mountains.
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the late actor, with one fan posting to Twitter: “Sad news coming through that actor Gavan O’Herlihy has passed away aged 70.
“Many will remember Gavan’s memorable performances in We’ll Meet Again (1982), Superman III (1983), Never Say Never Again (1983) and Willow (1988). Rest in peace.”
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Someone else posted: “Sad news to hear about Gavan O’Herlihy’s passing. A fine actor who deserved more recognition.
“One smaller role I will always remember him fondly for was Marshal Sharp in The Last Outlaw with Mickey Rourke, but of course Willow is a firm favourite. We’ll win this war for you!”
As another fan followed up: “Sad to hear about the passing of Gavan O’Herlihy who played Fraker in DEATH WISH 3 with such pitch perfect and sneering evil.
“Somehow had NO IDEA he was Daniel O’Herlihy’s son. Iconic screen villains who dominated my childhood and who loom larger-than-life even today.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
