Actor John Forsythe passed away on Thursday. In a statement, his family said, “The family of John Forsythe sadly announces his passing on April 1, 2010. He was 92 years old and, thankfully, he died as he lived his life… with dignity and grace, after a years-long struggle with cancer.”
Forsythe had a long and impressive career on television and starred in several series over the years. He was best known for his role on dramas Dynasty and Charlie’s Angels but also starred in several comedies — Bachelor Father, The Powers That Be, and To Rome With Love. The John Forsythe Show began as a comedy but switched to become a spy show midseason.
It seemed that most who’d worked with Forsythe spoke about him with great affection and respect. It’s no surprise that many of them are expressing their love following his death.
“He was one of the last of the true gentlemen of the acting profession. I enjoyed our nine years of feuding, fussing and fighting as the Carringtons.” –- Joan Collins (Dynasty)
“John was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a gifted actor who knew the true meaning of being gracious and kind. He will be missed.” –- Heather Locklear (Dynasty)
“I’m mourning with the rest of the world for the talented, gorgeous, funny, intelligent John Forsythe but my heart is broken for the loss of my dear, dear friend and neighbor. I will miss him terribly. My husband and I send our warmest and deepest regards to his family and our cherished friend, his wife Nicole.” -– Cheryl Ladd (Charlie’s Angels)
“I made an effort never to see him when he came in to [record] his voiceover, but I left messages for him. And he would leave me a note saying, ‘Hi Sabrina, it’s Charlie. You’ll never catch me!'” -– Kate Jackson (Charlie’s Angels)
“We were so happy when he agreed to be the voice of Charlie, and he always laughed about having to take a back seat to Farrah’s hair.” –- Candy Spelling (widow of producer Aaron Spelling)
The upcoming TV Land Awards show is scheduled to include a tribute to Charlie’s Angels that was expected to focus on Farrah Fawcett. Presumably it will be expanded to salute Forsythe as well. The TV Land Awards will air on Sunday, April 25th.