‘Friends’ Actor Paxton Whitehead Reported Dead
Paxton Whitehead, a well-known stage and film actor best remembered for his work on “Friends” and his Tony-nominated performance in “Camelot,” passed away on Friday at the age of 85, according to his representative.
“Paxton was loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him,” Whitehead’s rep Robert Attermann confirmed to USA TODAY in an emailed statement.
Whitehead had a protracted acting career that spanned numerous film and television projects. He portrayed Mr Waltham, Rachel Green’s Bloomingdale’s employer, in the comedy “Friends,” and he has been in guest spots on “The Drew Carey Show,” “The West Wing,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Mad About You,” and “Frasier.” In addition to “Back to School,” in which he made his cinematic debut in 1986, Whitehead also participated in the fantasy romance “Kate and Leopold” from 2001.
He also had a successful career on Broadway with roles in “My Fair Lady,” “The Harlequin Studies,” “Suite in Two Keys” and others. He earned a Tony nomination for his performance as King Pellinore in 1980’s “Camelot” (he also starred in the 2005 revival).
“He was a cherished client, a luminary in the acting world who is renowned for his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft,” rep Attermann said. “He was admired for his versatility and many roles he performed on stage, TV, and in film. His contributions to the world of entertainment will be cherished and remembered for years to come.”
Paxton Whitehead was an English actor, theatre director, and playwright. He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot. He had many Broadway roles.
He was also known for his film roles and was well known, especially to U.S. and television audiences in general, for his many guest appearances on several U.S. shows, especially guest appearances on major sitcoms of the 1990s, such as Frasier, Caroline in the City, Ellen, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Drew Carey Show, Mad About You, and Friends.
