Michael Witney was an American film and television actor who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. He was best known for his roles in Western series such as The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters, Bonanza, and A Man Called Shenandoah. He also appeared in films such as The Way West, Darling Lili, and Doc. He married the British model Twiggy in 1977 and had a daughter, Carly, with her. However, his life was cut short by a sudden heart attack in 1983, leaving behind a grieving family and a legacy of work. Here is the story of Michael Witney’s cause of death and how it affected his loved ones.
Early Life and Career
Michael Witney was born as Whitney Michael Armstrong on November 21, 1931, in Ticonderoga, New York. He was a minor league pitcher for the Hornell Dodgers and the Great Falls Electrics before he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His first screen-acting role was a recurring part as the first wagon master, Buck Coulter, in the ABC Western television series The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters in 1963-64. He guest-starred in other Western series, such as Bonanza, Daniel Boone, Gunsmoke, and The Iron Horse. He also portrayed historical figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Peter Lassen in the syndicated anthology series Death Valley Days. He made a brief appearance as a sailor in the Gilligan’s Island episode “Erica Tiffany Smith to the Rescue” in 1965. He also appeared in the Star Trek episode “A Private Little War” in 1968. His last screen appearances were in different roles in three episodes of Charlie’s Angels from 1978 to 1981. According to Wikipedia.
Marriage to Twiggy and Fatherhood
Michael Witney married Donna (JoJo) Collette Bailey in 1956 in Helena, Montana. They divorced in 1976. He married the British model Twiggy in 1977. Twiggy, whose real name is Lesley Lawson, was an iconic fashion icon of the Mod era and a successful singer and actress. They met on the set of the film W, in which they both starred. They had a daughter, Carly, who was born in 1978. Leigh Lawson, Witney’s second husband, adopted Carly and gave her his surname. According to Express.
Cause of Death and Aftermath
Michael Witney died of a heart attack in New York on November 30, 1983, nine days after his 52nd birthday. He was in New York to film a commercial. His death was sudden and unexpected, as he had no history of heart problems. He left behind his wife, Twiggy, and his daughter, Carly, who was only six years old at the time. His death was a huge shock and a very sad time for his family and friends. Twiggy described the period as “tough, but somehow you get through”. She said that she and Carly were helped by their strong bond and their support network. She also said that she still thinks of him and misses him. According to Good Housekeeping.
Michael Witney was a talented and versatile actor who had a successful career in film and television. He was also a loving husband and father who cherished his family. His death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and for his loved ones. He will always be remembered for his work and his personality.
