Jerry Doyle, best known for his role as security chief Michael Garibaldi in the sci-fi series Babylon 5, died on July 27, 2016 at the age of 60. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented actor, a passionate radio host, and a political commentator. But what was the cause of his death? How did he end up in such a tragic fate?
A Life of Success and Struggle
Jerry Doyle was born on July 16, 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, New Jersey, where he played varsity football and basketball. He then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, while also receiving his flight training. He worked as a corporate jet pilot and a stockbroker on Wall Street before making a career change into acting in 1991.
He moved to Los Angeles and landed his first television role on the series Moonlighting, where he played a potential replacement for Bruce Willis’ character. He then had a recurring role as a lawyer on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. His breakthrough came when he was cast as security officer Michael Garibaldi on Babylon 5, which ran for five seasons from 1994 to 1998. He also voiced the titular character in the animated cartoon Captain Simian & the Space Monkeys from 1996 to 1997.
He later started his own production company to produce television and independent films. He also hosted a nationally syndicated talk show, The Jerry Doyle Show, on Talk Radio Network, where he discussed current events, politics, and entertainment. He founded the news platform EpicTimes in 2013, which aimed to provide hard-hitting news and engaging content. He was also a frequent guest on Newsmax Media TV and Fox & Friends.
He was married to actress Andrea Thompson from 1995 to 1997, with whom he had a son named Alec. He ran as the Republican candidate for California’s 24th Congressional District in 2000 but lost to the incumbent Democrat Brad Sherman. He wrote a book published in 2009 called Have You Seen My Country Lately? America’s Wake-Up Call, where he expressed his views on various issues facing the nation.
A Death by Alcoholism
Despite his success and achievements, Doyle struggled with alcoholism for most of his adult life. According to Wikipedia, he quipped that on Babylon 5 he was a “Mick from Brooklyn playing a Wop from Mars”. He also admitted that he drank heavily during his time on Wall Street and that he had several DUI arrests in his past.
On July 27, 2016, Doyle was found unresponsive in his Las Vegas home by his housekeeper. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. His death was initially ruled as natural causes pending further investigation. However, on August 31, 2016, Clark County Coroner John Fudenberg revealed that Doyle died as the result of complications from chronic alcoholism. His manner of death was deemed natural.
According to TheWrap, Doyle had a history of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He also had cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol abuse. His blood alcohol level at the time of his death was .220 percent, which is almost three times the legal limit for driving.
His death was mourned by his fans and colleagues, especially those who worked with him on Babylon 5. The show’s creator J. Michael Straczynski wrote a heartfelt tribute to Doyle on his blog, where he described him as “funny, and dangerous, and loyal, and a prankster, and a pain in the ass; he was gentle and cynical and hardened and insightful and sometimes as dense as a picket fence”. He also lamented the loss of several other main cast members of Babylon 5 over the years.
A Legacy of Talent and Passion
Jerry Doyle’s cause of death may have been tragic and preventable, but it does not diminish his legacy as a talented actor and a passionate radio host. He left behind a body of work that entertained and informed millions of people around the world. He also left behind a son who loved him dearly.
He will always be remembered as Michael Garibaldi, the loyal and brave security chief who fought for justice and peace in Babylon 5. He will also be remembered as Jerry Doyle, the outspoken and witty radio host who spoke his mind and challenged his listeners to think critically.
He may have been gone too soon, but he will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Jerry Doyle. You will be missed.