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How did Gregory Itzin die? Actor who played President Charles Logan in '24' dead at 74

In 2015, Itzin suffered a 'major heart attack' during a Shakespeare performance

Gregory Itzin, the actor who was known for his roles as President Charles Logan on the Fox drama series ’24’ and agent Virgil Minelli on ‘The Mentalist’, died on Friday, July 8, due to complications during emergency surgery at the age of 74. Itzin's rep Lisa Gallant confirmed his death. In 2015, Itzin suffered a "major heart attack" during a Shakespeare performance but "came back only to continue to thrive in theater, film, and TV," Gallant said in a statement.

"His love for the arts was only surpassed by his love for his family. Greg was married to the love of his life, Judie for 43 years and has two children, who were his pride and joy: Wilke (also an actor) and Julia (an artist), and a grandson Wylder Gregory, the apple of his eye," she said in the statement, PEOPLE reported. "His last days were spent in the midwest with his sister Pamela and niece and nephew, Deidre and Aaron, and great-niece and nephew, Claire and Cole, along with his son and grandson."

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Itzin's son Wilke Itizin shared a heartfelt tribute to his father on social media, writing, "It is hard to put into words the life of a man lived to its fullest." "My dad was known in the world as a phenomenal actor with a body of work that would trump most famous actors resumes," he wrote in part. "He's been on everything from Airplane, Friends, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Mork and Mindy, and of course the infamous president on 24 and so much more."

"But what many people truly knew him for was his incredible performances on the stage. I remember watching him in the one man show Shipwrecked by Donald Margulies and being blown away, in awe that the man on stage was my dad. He was in love with the theater, and even on his dying breath he could recite Shakespeare like he made the words up himself", he continued. "I will never feel like we had enough time together. I love you pops and I really don't know what I'm going to do without you. You were loved by all and we will miss you tremendously. Although bittersweet, I am glad we got to spend these last few days together", Wilke concluded the message.

Jon Cassar, the executive producer of '24', also paid his tribute to Itizen's death. "My friend Greg Itzin passed away today," he shared. "He was one of the most talented actors I had the honor to work with, but more than that he was an all around great guy." "He'll be missed by his 24 family who had nothing but love & respect for him," he added. "You made your mark, now Rest In Peace friend."

Screenwriter and producer Alan Spencer wrote, "I'm truly saddened to learn of the passing of actor Gregory Itzin. Mel Brooks and I cast Greg in a short-lived sitcom wherein he held his own amongst seasoned pros like Harvey Korman and Cloris Leachman. I always looked forward to seeing Greg every day when he worked together."

Actor and author Armin Shimerman wrote, "1 of my closest friends&1 of the finest actors I know died yesterday, Greg Itzin. You may know him from 24. There is a huge hole in my heart over his loss. All my love to Judie and the entire Itzin crew. Greg WILL be missed and always cherished. Grief, sadness, and fond memories."

"The great actor Gregory Itzin has passed. My heart goes out to Judie and his kids. Funny, kind, extraordinarily talented, and a true Mensch. I first met Greg when he played the hilarious obsequious assistant manager in THE NUTT HOUSE. I’ll never forget our time together", actor Molly Hagan wrote.

Itzin's career

Itzin was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Wisconsin before attending the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. He had his first (uncredited) on-screen role in the 1979 miniseries Backstairs at the White House and a brief role as "Religious Zealot #1" in 1980's Airplane!, offering a flower to Julie Hagerty's flight attendant as she walks through the airport.

Itzin's extensive TV credits include 'Charlie's Angels', 'Party of Five', and 'Big Love'. 'Hill Street Blues', 'L.A. Law', 'Murder One', and 'NYPD Blue' were among the shows he worked on for mega-producer Steven Bochco, as were three Star Trek series: 'Deep Space Nine', 'Voyager', and 'Enterprise'. He also appeared on Friends as Mike Hannigan's (Paul Rudd) father and had recurring roles on 'Covert Affairs' and 'The Mentalist'.

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Itzin's fame rose after the series '24'. He played as Vice president Charles Logan in the series in 2005. In subsequent seasons of the show, he reprised his role as President. The series went on till 2010 and earned him two Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Guest Actor in a Drama series.

Itzin was married to his wife Judie for 43 years. The couple had two children: Wilke Itizen and Julia Itizen. Gallant described his family as being "his pride and joy." In 2015, Itzin suffered a heart attack on stage while playing Shakespeare’s Falstaff. but continued working after his recovery, both on stage and in front of cameras. His most recent TV role was a 2020 guest appearance on NCIS. According to multiple sources, Itzin's net worth is between $5 to $10 million and was considered to be one of the highest-paid actors. Itzin leaves behind his wife, Judie, two children, and one grandchild.