Harry Johnson, an actor who appeared on dozens of shows throughout his 40-year career, including Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Law & Order, has died. He was 81.
Johnson died Tuesday, his rep Jonathan Erickson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of ATB Talent client Harry Johnson,” ATB Talent Agency shared in a statement. “With a career spanning over 40 years, Harry was a true talent and cherished member of the community. His impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered and celebrated. Our hearts go out to his friends and family, including Christiane, his wife of 15 years and stepchildren, Oliver and Penelope. May his memory be a blessing to all.”
Born on Dec. 27, 1942, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Johnson began his acting career in 1978, when he appeared in the pilot episode of Battlestar Galactica, as well as the Battlestar Galactica film, directed by Richard A. Colla and Alan J. Levi. He was often credited as Chip Johnson in his projects throughout the 70s and 80s.
Johnson went on to appear in several popular TV shows, including Sword of Justice, M*A*S*H, The Amazing Spider-Man, Quincy M.E., Simon & Simon, Law & Order, The Greatest American Hero, Highway to Heaven, The A-Team, The Incredible Hulk, Who’s the Boss?, Thirtysomething, L.A. Law, Party of Five, Roswell, Dynasty, Melrose Place, Resurrection Blvd., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Judging Amy and Days of Our Live.
His film credits also ranged from Time Warp, Captain America, High Midnight, Real Genius, Warlock, Sins of the Past, Death Dreams, The Spitfire Grill, The Glass House to Vampires Anonymous.
For decades, Johnson worked as an ADR voice actor, with his voice appearing in video games as well as more than 2,000 TV episodes, including several Dick Wolf shows such as the Law & Order and Chicago series.
The actor was also known for a string of “Harry & Louise” TV and radio ads in the early 90s, where he starred opposite Louise Claire Clark. The commercials were targeted towards President Bill Clinton’s health care plan. Johnson and Clark reprised their roles for some election-year commercials years later.
When he wasn’t appearing on the screen, Johnson took some time to write books under the name Harry Castle, including Fugitive Romance: The Fictional Memoir of a Hollywood Screenwriter and Miracles & Misfits.
Johnson is survived by his wife of 15 years, Christiane Johnson, and stepchildren, Oliver and Penelope.