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How did Paxton Whitehead die? Tributes pour in for theatre veteran and 'Friends' star who was 85

Actor Paxton Whitehead, who also starred in 'Caroline in the City,' 'Ellen,' and' Mad About You', died while in hospital

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA: The prolific stage performer Paxton Whitehead, who was also well-known for his various sitcom roles, has died at the age of 85. The English actor, who was a mainstay on Broadway and a frequent guest star in a variety of 1990s sitcoms, died on Friday, June 16, in a hospital in Arlington, Virginia. The news of his death was confirmed by his son Charles Whitehead, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

In Season 4 of the popular television show 'Friends', Whitehead played Mr Waltham, Rachel Green's (Jennifer Aniston) boss at Bloomingdale's. The actor also made guest appearances on several other well-known shows. Along with 16 previous Broadway performances between 1962 and 2018, Whitehead received a Tony nomination for his performance as Pellinore in a 1980 revival of Lerner & Loewe's 'Camelot' opposite Richard Burton.

English actor Jim Piddock took to Twitter and paid tribute to the late actor and wrote: "Heartbroken to hear my dear friend and mentor Paxton Whitehead has passed away. He was an extraordinary actor, a brilliant friend, and truly wonderful human being. He meant so much to so many people and always brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered."

How did Paxton Whitehead die?

The reason behind the veteran actor's death has not yet been revealed to the general public. What is known is that Whitehead died in a hospital in Arlington, Virginia. Paxton Whitehead is survived by his son Charles and daughter Alex.

Fans and other artists immediately took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor, expressing their heartfelt condolences. One fan wrote on Twitter: "R.I.P., Paxton Whitehead, who I'm sure was a delightful man in real life but as an actor found his niche by being exemplary at playing stiff British jerks and blowhards in projects like Back to School, Mad About You, and Friends." A second fan typed, "He had such kind eyes, I’m so sorry he looks like he was a wonderful person a just a light. Blessings to all." A third fan commented, "So sorry for your loss, Jim. Losing a good friend is devastating. He was a wonderful actor."

Another one commented on Jim Piddock's tweet, "Very sorry. Saw you both in the original production of Noises Off. One of the greatest theater experiences I’ve ever had. Adored him. Much love to all who knew him." Another fan of the actor posted, "If you needed someone to play a stuffy English character in the 80s and 90s he was THE guy. Especially on American television. Every time you changed the channel there was a decent chance he’d be there. We grew up watching him. He will be missed." One more comment read, "Sad news. His performances were a joy to behold. I'm sorry for the loss of your dear friend. His performances will live on. RIP Mr. Whitehead and thank you for the joy."

Actor Lauren Milberger tweeted, "When I did fundraising at MTC I overheard a caller ask for Paxton Whitehead & when they hung up I asked the unknowing caller what was said: Upon asking to donate Mr Whitehead replied, “I don’t pay the theater, the theater pays me.” In that amazing voice of his I'm sure. #rip" Theatre artist Dana Ivey wrote, "I've just heard that my beloved friend Paxton Whitehead has died, on Friday the 16th. We first worked together in "My Fair Lady" in 1964, and the last time was in "Importance of Being Earnest" in 2010 -- friends for 59 years. I loved him so. Heartbroken."

Paxton Whitehead's life and career

Whitehead was born in 1937 in the English village of East Malling. He began his training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London when he was 17. Whitehead has appeared in several Broadway productions over the years, including 1970's 'Candida,' 'There's One in Every Marriage' (1972), 'Chemin de Fer' (1973), 'The Crucifer of Blood' (1978), where he co-starred with Glenn Close as Sherlock Holmes, 'Camelot' (1980), 'Noises Off' (1983), 'Absurd Person Singular' (2005), and 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (2011).

Whitehead didn't make his big screen debut until 1986's 'Back To School,' in which he played Dr Philip Barbay, the dean of the Grand Lakes University business school, and the lover of literature professor Diane Turner (Sally Kellerman). He played the fussy neighbor Hal Conway in the NBC comedy 'Mad About You' from 1992 until 1999. In addition to his 'Friends' cameo, Whitehead also made guest appearances on episodes on several popular sitcoms, including 'Caroline in the City,' 'Ellen,' '3rd Rock from the Sun,' 'Hart to Hart,' and 'The A-Team.'