Paxton Whitehead was a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, who had a long and illustrious career as an actor, theatre director, and playwright. He was best known for his roles in Broadway productions such as Camelot, My Fair Lady, and The Importance of Being Earnest, as well as his appearances in films and TV shows such as Baby Boom, Friends, and Frasier. He was also a respected figure in the theatre world, who served as the artistic director of the Shaw Festival and adapted several plays by Georges Feydeau. He passed away on June 16, 2023, at the age of 85. What was his cause of death? Here is what we know.
Complications of a Fall
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paxton Whitehead’s son, Charles Whitehead, confirmed that his father died at a hospital in Arlington, Vt. on Friday, June 16, 2023. The cause of death was complications of a fall. No further details were given about the circumstances of the fall or the nature of the complications.
A Wave of Tributes
Following the news of his death, many of his friends and colleagues took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to his legacy. Actress Dana Ivey tweeted a photo of them together and 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
British actor Jim Piddock also tweeted: “Heartbroken to hear my dear friend and mentor Paxton Whitehead has passed away. He was an extraordinary actor, a brilliant friend, and truly [a] wonderful human being. He meant so much to so many people and always brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered.”
Other celebrities who shared their condolences included actors John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jane Krakowski, and Matthew Perry.
A Remarkable Career
Paxton Whitehead was born in East Malling and Larkfield, Kent on October 17, 1937. He trained at London’s Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and made his Broadway debut in 1962 in The Affair. He then replaced Jonathan Miller in the Broadway production of Beyond the Fringe in 1964 and appeared on the LP recording of the show.
He went on to star in numerous Broadway shows, earning a Tony nomination for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot. He also starred in The Crucifer of Blood, Lettice and Lovage, Absurd Person Singular, and The Importance of Being Earnest.
He also had a successful career in film and television, appearing in movies such as Baby Boom, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Back to School, and Kate & Leopold. He was well-known for his guest roles on several popular sitcoms, such as Frasier, Ellen, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Drew Carey Show, Mad About You, and Friends. In the latter, he played Rachel’s boss at Bloomingdales.
He was also a prolific theatre director and playwright, who served as the artistic director of the Shaw Festival from 1972 to 1977. He adapted several plays by Georges Feydeau for the stage, such as There’s One in Every Marriage and Chemin de Fer.
He is survived by his son Charles Whitehead; daughter-in-law Jennifer; grandchildren Henry and Lucy; sister Ann; brother-in-law John; niece Louise; nephew James; great-niece Alice; great-nephew Harry; stepdaughter Katherine Robertson; stepson-in-law David Robertson; step-grandchildren Alexander and Elizabeth.
Paxton Whitehead will be remembered as a versatile and talented performer who brought joy and laughter to millions of people with his wit and charm. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, fans, and colleagues. Rest in peace.
