Renowned actor Harry Johnson, known for his roles in iconic TV shows and commercials, has passed away at the age of 81. He succumbed to a prolonged illness on January 2 in Los Angeles, as reported by Deadline. His wife, Christiane, confirmed the sad news to the publication.
Born on December 27, 1942, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Johnson was a versatile actor with a career spanning several decades. In the 1970s and 1980s, he was recognized as Chip Johnson and was one of the last contract performers at Universal Studios.
Johnson began his screen journey with the pilot episode of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ in 1978 and later appeared in numerous TV series, including ‘MAS*H,’ ‘Quincy M.E.,’ ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ He was also a notable ADR voice actor in Need for Speed video games.
Notably, Johnson was the voice-over for Dick Wolf’s episodes, contributing to the ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Chicago’ series for over two decades. His film credits include ‘Real Genius,’ ‘Warlock,’ and ‘The Spitfire Grill,’ along with TV films like ‘Time Warp,’ where he co-starred with Adam West.
Aside from his acting career, Johnson gained fame for portraying Harry in the ‘Harry & Louise’ TV and radio commercials, advocating against President Bill Clinton’s health-care proposal in 1993-94. The ads were sponsored by the Health Insurance Association of America and became so popular that response ads were later produced by the Democratic National Committee.
In 2000 and 2004, Johnson reprised his role alongside Louise Claire Clark in election-year ads. The duo even returned in 2008 to support President Barack Obama’s health-care proposal.
Johnson showcased his literary talent under the pen name Harry Castle, publishing novels like ‘Fugitive Romance’ in 2013 and ‘Miracles & Misfits,’ a collection of short stories. Described as a man who loved sailing, Johnson was known for bringing humor and lightness to his work, making him well-liked among his colleagues.
Harry Johnson is survived by his wife Christiane and stepchildren Oliver and Penelope. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his memorable roles will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
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