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How did Robert Hogan die? Actor who starred in 'Law & Order' and 'The Wire' dies at 87

A star for decades, Hogan became a well-known face on TV as far back as the '60s and had landed numerous gigs, until the late 2000s

TV star Robert Hogan has passed away, his family confirmed on June 1. Hogan, who starred in nearly every major show from the '60s up to the '90s was 87-years-old when he passed away at his home in Maine. Tributes have been pouring in on social media since the news broke, with many lamenting the popular star.

The death of Hogan comes as a double gut punch for fans of the period. Days ago, Hogan's contemporary Gavin MacLeod passed away at the age of 90. May has seen the death of several notable celebrities, such as 'School of Rock' star Kevin Clark and 'Face/Off' actress Romy Walthall. Born in Queens, Hogan served in the Korean war before turning to acting. He is noted not just for his numerous TV shows, but also his performances on stage. He is survived by his second wife Mary Hogan, as well as three children from his previous marraige - Shannon, Chris and Jud. Hogan also has two grandchildren.

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How did Robert Hogan die?

The exact cause of Hogan's death has been revealed by his family, who publicized his death in The New York Times. According to them, Hogan died on May 27 from "complications from pneumonia". Hogan was living with vascular Alzheimer's disease since 2013. It is unclear at this moment if the disease played any role in his death. The obituary says, "He was able to work and thrive many years after his diagnosis. No small feat for an actor who memorized lines for a living."

A Queens native, Hogan played basketball for St Francis Preparatory School. He was then drafted into the army to serve in Korea. After an honorable discharge, he went to New York University to study engineering. After the first semester, he was suggested to take an aptitude test to see if the course was really the best fit. The results sent him down a six-decade-long career in acting.

After studying at New York's prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hogan went on to appear in over 100 primetime shows such as 'Cheyenne', ' Gomer Pyle, USMC', 'Hogan's Heroes', and 'The FBI,' 'The Donna Reed Show,' 'The Twilight Zone,' 'I Dream of Jeannie,' 'Laverne & Shirley,' 'Gunsmoke,' 'The Manhunter,' 'Operation Petticoat,' 'One Day at a Time,' 'Peyton Place', 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'The Wire,' 'General Hospital'.  He also appeared in several films like 'Greenwich Village Story', 'The Lady in Red', 'Species II', and 'Day Zero'. He's best known though for his work on stage, where his performances earned him numerous accolades. Hogan appeared in Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of 'A Few Good Men', and Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', as well as dozens of off-Broadway plays. For his role in 'Never The Sinner', Hogan managed to snag an Outer Critics Circle Award.

Hogan's family has asked that fans make a donation in lieu of flowers. "The family requests donations made to the two not-for-profit organizations that gave Bob a fulfilling later life: DOROT in New York City and the Alzheimer's Association," they wrote in the obituary. His death has also led to fond memories being shared on social media. "I had the pleasure to share the stage with this beautiful man. “Bob I have an audition for this role but I don’t think I’m right for it.” “Make then think twice Pej.” Rest In Peace Robert Hogan you were one of the best," tweeted one person.

Another tweeted, "Oh man. RIP Robert Hogan. From 1956 to 2018 he was in nearly every show I ever enjoyed watching. Mannix, Cannon, #LawAndOrder, M*A*S*H, #LawAndOrderSVU, Murder She Wrote, Magnum PI, and hundreds more. He was always great on screen."