TWO beloved actors from the 60s-70s TV sitcom era have died. Dave Madden who played Ruben Kinkaid on the Partridge Family, and Russell Johnson who starred in Gillgan’s Island as the professor.
Dave Madden — who played “The Partridge Family’s” aggravated band manager on the 1970s TV show — has died after a long illness at age 82 … TMZ has learned.
Madden played Reuben Kincaid on the show … who was often bedeviled by the antics of the Partridge kids, particularly Danny, played by Danny Bonaduce.
Dave’s former agent tells TMZ … he died of congestive heart and kidney failure early this morning.
Madden also appeared on another popular 70s TV show, “Laugh-In” and was the author of a couple books, including a book of memoirs published in 2007.
We’re told Madden died in Florida … where he lived with his wife.
Via TMZ
Actor Russell Johnson, best known as “the professor” in the 1960s TV sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” died Thursday, his agent said. Johnson was 89.
Johnson played the iconic role of Professor Roy Hinkley, whose scientific schemes to get the castaways rescued were always foiled by Gilligan’s bumbling.
He died at his home in Washington, where he lived with his wife, Connie. She and their daughter, Kimberly, were at his side, said agent Mike Eisenstadt. Johnson is also survived by a stepson, Court, and a grandson, he said.
Johnson worked up until his death, signing autographs at public appearances over the holidays, said Eisenstadt. He called his death “unexpected.”
He was “just a positive and nice guy,” who always treated people with respect, his agent said.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/01/16/professor-gilligans-island-died-dead-russell-johnson/#ixzz2qbOWXfco
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