Paxton Whitehead Dead at 85

English theater star, Paxton Whitehead, known for his roles in “Back to School,” “Mad About You,” and “Friends,” passed away on Friday at the age of 85. His son stated that he died at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, but didn’t disclose the cause of his demise.

Background

Born on October 17, 1937, in Kent, England as Francis Edward Paxton Whitehead, Paxton was signed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1958. He started his journey in the entertainment industry in the 1960s and never looked back. He worked as an actor on both stage and screen, achieving immense success and making a mark in the industry.

Stage Career

On Broadway

He was known for his roles in various Broadway shows, including:

• Camelot – 1980
• My Fair Lady
• Lettice and Lovage
• Noises Off
• The Importance of Being Earnest

Whitehead earned a Tony Award nomination for his role as Pellinore in “Camelot” in 1980, and he appeared in 16 other Broadway plays between 1962 and 2018.

Shaw Festival

Whitehead became the artistic director of Shaw Festival in Canada in 1967, where he welcomed world leaders such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Indira Gandhi, and Pierre Trudeau.

Screen Career

Whitehead appeared in different TV series as a guest star, including:

• The A-Team
• Caroline in the City
• Ellen
• 3rd Rock from the Sun
• Frasier
• Magnum, P.I.
• Hart to Hart
• Moving
• Silver Spoons

He also played significant recurring roles in “Mad About You” and “Friends.” He appeared in eight episodes of “Mad About You” from 1992 to 1999, playing uptight neighbor Hal Conway. He appeared in two episodes of “Friends” during the 1998 season as Mr. Waltham, Rachel Green’s boss at Bloomingdale’s, according to IMDb.com.

Movie Career

Whitehead made his film debut in 1986, playing snooty professor Philip Barbay in “Back to School,” but perhaps, he is best known for this role.

Reactions

Jim Piddock, a close friend and business partner of Whitehead, expressed his grief on Twitter, calling him an extraordinary actor, 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.

Conclusion

Paxton Whitehead was a skilled, talented actor, and his performances on stage, film, and television will be remembered for years to come. His versatile acting abilities and sharp wit will continue to entertain audiences for generations.

FAQs

Who is Paxton Whitehead?

Paxton Whitehead was an English theater star, known for his roles in “Back to School,” “Mad About You,” and “Friends.”

What was his cause of death?

No cause of death has been disclosed as of yet.

What was Paxton Whitehead known for?

Paxton Whitehead was known for his work on stage and screen, particularly his performances in Broadway productions, television series, and movies.

What were some of his memorable roles?

Some of Paxton Whitehead’s most memorable roles include Pellinore in “Camelot,” Hal Conway in “Mad About You,” and Mr. Waltham in “Friends.”

What is his legacy?

Paxton Whitehead’s legacy includes not only his acting, but also his leadership as the artistic director of Shaw Festival in Canada, where he welcomed world leaders such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Indira Gandhi, and Pierre Trudeau. His versatile acting abilities and sharp wit will continue to entertain audiences for generations.