All Actors Who Have Passed Away In Real Life

Barney Miller wasn’t your average cop show – it was a career-making sitcom for its cast, many of whom have since passed away with an impressive legacy behind them. Airing on ABC from 1975 to 1982, the beloved sitcom followed the daily grind of detectives at a New York City precinct, where quirky personalities, dry wit, and slice-of-life scenarios took center stage over car chases or high-octane action. Anchored by Hal Linden as the unflappable Captain Barney Miller, the series earned praise for its thoughtful humor, progressive themes, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Whether it was the book-loving Harris, the gruff Fish, or the deadpan Yemana, every detective had a distinct voice that helped the show remain a cult favorite decades after it wrapped.

However, while the 1970s sitcom Barney Miller continues to live on through reruns and streaming, many of its iconic cast members have sadly passed away. The real-life loss of these talented actors adds an emotional layer to every rewatch. From mainstays to memorable guest stars, the show’s ensemble helped define a generation of TV comedy. Many stars who brought life to the 12th Precinct have passed away over the years, and the Barney Miller cast members who’ve passed away include some legends of both the big and small screens.

Linda Lavin

Played Janice Wentworth on Barney Miller

Character: Before leading the likes of Alice and stealing scenes in The Good Wife, Linda Lavin appeared on Barney Miller as Detective Janice Wentworth, one of the first female officers to join the 12th Precinct. Intelligent, driven, and always quick with a comeback, Janice was introduced during the show’s second season and brought a fresh dynamic to the largely male lineup. Although her time on the series was brief, Lavin’s portrayal made a memorable impact and paved the way for more nuanced female characters in workplace comedies.

Actor: Almost 50 years after her final Barney Miller appearance, Linda Lavin passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on October 15, 1937, she enjoyed a long and successful career on both stage and screen. After Barney Miller, she became a household name thanks to her starring role in Alice, which ran from 1976 to 1985. Lavin also appeared in shows like The Good Wife and 9JKL, and earned multiple Tony Award nominations for her work on Broadway. Her death marked the loss of a true television pioneer.

Gregory Sierra

Played Chano on Barney Miller

Character: Gregory Sierra brought passion and humor to his role in Barney Miller as Detective Sergeant Chano Amenguale, one of the original members of the 12th Precinct. Known for his fiery temper and heartfelt monologues, Chano was a standout during the show’s first two seasons. He often balanced comic relief with poignant commentary, especially in scenes that addressed racism, poverty, and social justice – subjects close to Sierra’s heart.

Actor: Gregory Sierra died in January 2021 at the age of 83 due to prolonged stomach and liver cancer. He was born on January 25, 1937, and had a prolific acting career that spanned decades. Beyond Barney Miller, fans will remember him for his roles in Sanford and Son, Miami Vice, and the cult classic film The Towering Inferno. Sierra’s presence onscreen was always electric, and he brought depth to every role he touched.

Don Calfa

Played Various Criminals on Barney Miller

Actor: A legendary character actor outside of his time on Barney Miller, Don Calfa passed away in December 2016 at the age of 76. Born on April 3, 1939, he’s best known for playing the hilariously unhinged corpse collector in The Return of the Living Dead. He also had roles in Weekend at Bernie’s, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, and countless television guest spots. His career was full of quirky, unforgettable performances that cemented his cult status.

Character: Though he wasn’t part of the main cast, Don Calfa made several memorable guest appearances on Barney Miller, typically playing oddball criminals brought into the precinct for processing. Whether he was portraying an eccentric con man or a twitchy petty thief, Calfa’s characters always managed to steal the scene, giving fans a laugh with his unique brand of nervous energy.

Ron Glass

Played Ronald Harris on Barney Miller

Character: Ron Glass starred in Barney Miller as Detective Ron Harris, a suave, sophisticated officer with a passion for literature and fashion. Harris was often found typing away on his novel while manning the precinct, and his dry wit became one of the show’s comedic high points. Glass’s performance added intellectual charm to the show, and his chemistry with the ensemble cast was undeniable.

Actor: A mere four years after his final role in the 2012 movie Strange Fame, Ron Glass died in November 2016 at the age of 71 from respiratory failure. Born on July 10, 1945, he went on to become a fan favorite in the sci-fi world thanks to his role as Shepherd Book in Firefly and its film continuation, Serenity. His acting range – spanning sitcoms, dramas, and science fiction – made him a beloved figure across multiple genres.

Doris Roberts

Played Various Characters on Barney Miller

Character: Before she was Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, which most viewers now know her for, Doris Roberts guest-starred in several roles on Barney Miller. She typically portrayed offbeat characters – ranging from cranky witnesses to frustrated citizens – always adding layers of charm, chaos, or comic timing to the episodes she appeared in.

Actor: Born on November 4, 1925, Doris Roberts’ career spanned six decades and included roles in Remington Steele, Angie, and films like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. She earned five Emmy Awards for her work and was revered for her impeccable timing and emotional depth. A true legend of the screen, Doris Roberts passed away in April 2016 at the age of 90 from a stroke.

Abe Vigoda

Played Philip K. Fish on Barney Miller

Character: No one played world-weary quite like Abe Vigoda, who portrayed Detective Phil Fish on Barney Miller. Fish’s constant complaints about his health, his age, and life in general became running gags on the show. Despite his gruff demeanor, Fish was a fan favorite, even earning his own spinoff series, Fish.

Actor: A true staple of the Barney Miller cast and a renowned presence in his own right, Abe Vigoda died on 26 January 2016 at the remarkable age of 94. Born on February 24, 1921, he also left his mark on cinema as Sal Tessio in The Godfather. Vigoda’s droopy-eyed face and deadpan delivery made him a legend in both comedy and drama. His “is-he-or-isn’t-he” alive internet memes kept him in the pop culture conversation well into his 80s.

Richard Libertini

Played Various Characters on Barney Miller

Character: Richard Libertini was one of Barney Miller’s most versatile guest stars, playing a variety of oddball characters throughout the series. Whether portraying an eccentric philosopher, a delusional guru, or a confused suspect, Libertini always managed to make a lasting impression with his wildly expressive performances and offbeat humor.

Actor: Three years after retiring from acting, Richard Libertini passed away in January 2016 at the age of 82 after battling cancer. Born on May 21, 1933, he had a prolific film and TV career. He’s perhaps best remembered for roles in The In-Laws, Fletch, and All of Me. His distinctive comedic style and knack for the absurd made him a standout in every scene he graced.

George Murdock

Played Ben Scanlon on Barney Miller

Character: George Murdock brought just the right amount of bureaucratic bite to his role as Inspector Ben Scanlon, the ever-skeptical Internal Affairs officer who frequently popped into the 12th Precinct. Scanlon’s character was a foil to the main cast, often questioning their methods and motivations with an icy glare and a stack of paperwork.

Actor: A renowned character actor just like Don Calfa, Barney Miller cast member George Murdock died in April 2012 at the age of 81. Born in Kansas on June 25, 1930, his career spanned over 50 years, with notable appearances in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Battlestar Galactica, and Seinfeld. His ability to switch seamlessly between villainy and dry humor made him a go-to for character roles across genres.

Leonard Stone

Played Various Characters on Barney Miller

Character: An incredibly versatile performer, Leonard Stone appeared in various guest roles on Barney Miller, often playing characters entangled in peculiar or socially relevant cases. From distressed citizens to bizarre offenders, Stone added authenticity and warmth to the roles, helping to elevate the human drama of the precinct’s daily grind.

Actor: Leonard Stone passed away in November 2011 at the age of 87 from a brief but violent onset of cancer. Born on November 3, 1923, he’s perhaps best remembered as Violet Beauregarde’s father in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He also made numerous guest appearances on shows like L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, and Perry Mason, bringing gravitas and charm to every role.

Steve Landesberg

Played Dietrich on Barney Miller

Character: Steve Landesberg joined the cast of Barney Miller in later seasons as Detective Arthur Dietrich, the deadpan intellectual of the squad. With his dry, encyclopedic delivery and love of odd facts, Dietrich quickly became a fan favorite. Landesberg’s timing and stoic humor provided a fresh counterbalance to the show’s more animated characters.

Actor: Steve Landesberg died in December 2010 at age 74 after a battle with colon cancer, with his final role coming only one year earlier in Everybody Hates Chris. Born on November 23, 1936, he had success in both television and stand-up comedy. Aside from Barney Miller, he appeared in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and voiced characters in animated series like Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. His wit was razor-sharp, and his legacy lives on in reruns and laughs.

John Dullaghan

Played Ray Brewer on Barney Miller

Character: John Dullaghan guest-starred in Barney Miller as Ray Brewer, a recurring character with a dry sense of humor and a knack for stirring up small doses of chaos. Though not a regular, his appearances were always memorable, helping to flesh out the world beyond the core cast.

Actor: One of the lesser-known Barney Miller cast members despite his character being a standout guest star, John Dullaghan passed away in January 2009 at age 78. He was born on November 27, 1930, and worked steadily in TV and film throughout his career. Fans may also remember him from Battlestar Galactica (in which he had a defining role as Dr. Wilker), The Rockford Files, and Gunsmoke. He brought a grounded realism to even the most bizarre characters, leaving behind a body of work full of quiet gems.

Ron Carey

Played Carl Levitt on Barney Miller

Character: Ron Carey played Officer Carl Levitt in Barney Miller, the short-statured and eager-to-please uniformed officer with dreams of joining the detectives. Levitt’s frequent appearances brought a unique dynamic to the precinct, especially in his interactions with Captain Miller and the other detectives. Carey’s comedic timing made Levitt one of the most endearing characters on the show.

Actor: Ron Carey died in January 2007 at the age of 71 after suffering a stroke, and had been inactive for more or less a decade before this. Born on December 11, 1935, Carey was a mainstay in Mel Brooks films, including High Anxiety and History of the World, Part I. His small stature, expressive face, and energetic delivery made him a comedic force in every ensemble.

Jack DeLeon

Played Marty Morrison on Barney Miller

Character: Jack DeLeon appeared multiple times on Barney Miller as Marty Morrison, one half of a groundbreaking gay couple featured on the show. At a time when LGBTQ+ representation on TV was rare and often played for ridicule, Marty and his partner were portrayed with surprising warmth and depth. DeLeon’s performance helped Barney Miller push the boundaries of inclusivity in 1970s sitcoms.

Actor: Best known for his role on Barney Miller despite having a considerably stacked filmography, Jack DeLeon passed away in October 2006 at the age of 81. Born on December 19, 1924, he was also a prolific voice actor, best known for voicing all the dwarfs in the 1977 animated The Hobbit TV movie. His work in both live-action and animation left a unique mark, especially in shaping early queer representation on TV.

Florence Stanley

Played Bernice on Barney Miller

Character: Florence Stanley brought heart and humor to Barney Miller as Bernice Fish, the ever-patient, ever-worried wife of Detective Fish. Though her appearances were limited, she brought such authenticity to the role that she reprised it in the spinoff Fish. Her voice and mannerisms gave the character a lasting charm that ensured she was remembered as a fan favorite.

Actor: An active performer until the year of her death, Florence Stanley passed away in October 2003 at the age of 79 due to complications from a stroke. Born on July 1, 1929, she had an extensive career on stage and screen outside of Barney Miller. She voiced characters in Atlantis: The Lost Empire and appeared in shows like My Two Dads and Dinosaurs. Her gravelly voice and comic timing made her instantly recognizable and endlessly watchable.

James Gregory

Played Franklin Luger on Barney Miller

Character: James Gregory played Inspector Franklin Luger, a blustery, politically incorrect dinosaur of the department whose outdated views clashed hilariously with the more progressive members of the precinct. Gregory’s gravel-voiced delivery and stone-faced demeanor made Luger an unforgettable character every time he showed up.

Actor: Born on December 23, 1911, James Gregoy enjoyed a long career that included memorable roles in The Manchurian Candidate, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, and The Twilight Zone. His gruff authority figure persona became his trademark in both TV and film, ensuring he’d become known for many roles beyond Franklin Luger in Barney Miller. Gregory passed away in September 2002 at the age of 90, with his death attributed to natural causes.

Ed Peck

Played Patrolman Slater on Barney Miller

Character: As Patrolman Slater, Ed Peck was the quintessential beat cop on Barney Miller. He appeared in several episodes, often representing the precinct’s connection to street-level policing. Slater brought a sense of procedural realism to the show’s otherwise quirky environment, and Peck’s tough demeanor fit the part perfectly.

Actor: Ed Peck’s death came in September 1992 when he was aged 75, when the former Barney Miller star succumbed to a heart attack. Born on March 6, 1917, Peck had a steady career in television, often cast as lawmen or authority figures. He also appeared in Happy Days as Officer Kirk, and guest-starred on shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Mission: Impossible. His commanding presence made him a go-to for uniformed roles (which, of course, meant he was perfect for Barney Miller).

Stanley Brock

Played Bruno Binder on Barney Miller

Character: Stanley Brock made several appearances on Barney Miller, most notably as Bruno Binder, a fast-talking and perpetually unlucky entrepreneur. Brock’s characters often found themselves tangled in bizarre circumstances, and his sharp delivery added comic energy to every episode he was in.

Actor: Stanley Brock died in January 1991 at just 59 years old – one of the youngest ages any Barney Miller cast member has passed away. Born on July 7, 1931, he also had roles in UHF, Days of Our Lives, and The Rockford Files. His ability to turn even the smallest part into a memorable performance made him a scene-stealer wherever he went.

Jack Soo

Played Nick Yemana on Barney Miller

Character: Jack Soo starred as Detective Nick Yemana in Barney Miller, the laid-back, coffee-loving officer whose deadpan delivery and sardonic wit were show highlights. Despite his seemingly aloof demeanor, Yemana was deeply competent, and Soo’s performance brought both heart and hilarity to the role. His timing was impeccable, and he became a fan favorite early on.

Actor: The first Barney Miller cast member who died was Jack Soo, who tragically passed away in January 1979 at the age of 61 due to esophageal cancer. Born on October 28, 1917, he had previously appeared in Flower Drum Song and other stage productions. His death was acknowledged in a special episode of Barney Miller, where the cast broke the fourth wall to honor him—one of the most emotional moments in sitcom history.