William Boyett was a veteran actor who appeared in many television shows and movies, but he was best known for his role as Sergeant MacDonald on the popular police drama Adam-12. He played the calm and authoritative supervisor of the main characters, Officers Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, for seven seasons from 1968 to 1975. He also had recurring roles on other shows such as Highway Patrol, Emergency!, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. But how did William Boyett die, and what was his cause of death?
Early Life and Career
William Boyett was born on January 3, 1927, in Akron, Ohio, to Harry Lee and Margaret D. Boyett. His father was a rubber worker and his mother was a dancer. He had an older brother named Wallace. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where he attended Hollywood High School. He won a Shakespeare competition in high school, which led to acting jobs in radio.
He served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and performed on stage in both New York City and Los Angeles. He made his television debut in 1951 on the anthology series Schlitz Playhouse of Stars. He also appeared in several movies, such as Halls of Montezuma (1951), The Black Orchid (1958), and When a Stranger Calls (1979).
Adam-12 and Other Roles
William Boyett was a frequent collaborator of actor and producer Jack Webb, who created the shows Dragnet, Adam-12, and Emergency!. Boyett appeared in 65 episodes of Highway Patrol as either Sergeant Johnson or Sergeant Williams from 1955 to 1959. He also had guest roles on Dragnet and Emergency!.
He was cast as Sergeant William MacDonald on Adam-12, one of the first realistic cop shows on television. He played the role from 1968 to 1975, appearing in 167 episodes. He was the mentor and boss of Officers Malloy and Reed, who patrolled the streets of Los Angeles in their unit 1-Adam-12. He often gave them advice, assignments, and backup when needed. He was respected by his colleagues and subordinates for his professionalism and experience.
He continued to act after Adam-12 ended, appearing in shows such as Happy Days, MASH, The Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also had roles in movies such as Newsies (1992) and Turner & Hooch (1989). His last acting credit was in 1998 on the sitcom Home Improvement.
Personal Life and Death
William Boyett was married twice. His first marriage was to Willagene Wither from 1947 to 1950. His second marriage was to Joan Amelia Reynolds from 1957 until his death. He had two children with Joan: a daughter named Suzy and a son named Bob.
He died on December 29, 2004, at the age of 77, at Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, California. According to Wikipedia, his cause of death was complications from pneumonia and kidney failure. He was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California. His grave marker reads: “William Boyett / Beloved Husband / Father / Grandfather / Great Grandfather / Actor / Friend”.
Legacy
William Boyett is remembered by fans and colleagues as a talented and versatile actor who brought realism and dignity to his roles. He is especially admired for his portrayal of Sergeant MacDonald on Adam-12, which influenced many future cop shows and actors.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard for his contributions to television. He also has a plaque at the LAPD Academy honoring him for his role on Adam-12.
He is regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation and a pioneer of television drama.
