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Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on April 2, 2010

TV star John Forsythe has died at age 92 from pneumonia complications

Another remarkable TV legend has passed away. Suave, good-looking, Golden Globe winner John Forsythe, star of Dynasty and the distinctive voice behind the phone calls of Charles “Charlie” Townsend on the popular 1970s female cop show Charlie’s Angels, has passed away at age 92 from complications from pneumonia.

From my childhood, I remember him best as Uncle Bentley from watching grainy black-and-white reruns from the 1950s family show Bachelor Father.

May this talented, beloved man who gave so much to his craft go with God and rest in peace.

From The Insider, TV Legend John Forsythe Passes Away:

“The Insider” breaks the sad news that John Forsythe, who starred on “Dynasty” and lent his voice to “Charlie’s Angels,” has passed away. He was 92. Forsythe died of complications from pneumonia in Santa Ynez, Calif. on Thursday. “…He died as he lived his life… with dignity and grace, after a year-long struggle with cancer,” his family tells “The Insider.” The family says there will be no public service for the late star, and they request that those wishing to honor his memory make donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Forsythe won two Golden Globes portraying patriarch Blake Carrington on “Dynasty.” He also voiced the mysterious Charles Townsend (who memorably made his presence felt via speaker phone) on “Charlie’s Angels.”

In addition to the numerous acting credits he amassed over his career — which spanned over six decades — Forsythe was a spokesperson and sponsor of the World Wildlife Fund. He also supported the American Cancer Society and the United Nations Association. He is survived by his family including his wife, Nicole, his son and daughter-in-law, Dall and Ana Marie Forsythe, his two grown daughters, Page Courtemanche and Brooke Forsythe, as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In another piece by The Insider, Heather Locklear Reacts to ‘Dynasty’ Co-Star John Forsythe’s Death:

Heather Locklear is opening up to “The Insider” about the death of her “Dynasty” co-star John Forsythe.

“John was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a gifted actor who knew the true meaning of being gracious and kind. He will be missed,” Locklear tells us.

1959 photo of John Forsythe

From New York Times, John Forsythe, ‘Dynasty’ Actor, Is Dead at 92:

John Forsythe, the debonair actor whose matinee-idol looks, confident charm and mellifluous voice helped make him the star of three hit television series, including ABC’s glamour soap “Dynasty,” died on Thursday in Santa Ynez, Calif. He was 92.

His publicist, Harlan Boll, said the cause was complications of pneumonia, following a yearlong battle with cancer. Mr. Forsythe had earlier received a diagnosis of colon cancer, and in 1979 underwent quadruple bypass surgery.

He may be best remembered as Blake Carrington, the ruthless but dapper silver-haired Denver oil tycoon on “Dynasty,” which ran from 1981 to 1989 and took its place as the symbol of the affluent decade of the Reagan administration. He often expressed amusement that the role, as the object of two women’s fierce affection — that of Joan Collins and Linda Evans — had made him a sex symbol in his 60s.

Mr. Forsythe’s first series character was another dashing, well-dressed, self-possessed man of means. He was Bentley Gregg, the playboy Beverly Hills lawyer in the sitcom “Bachelor Father” (1957-62). Gregg was bringing up his teenage niece (Noreen Corcoran), whose parents had died in an accident.

Between those two series, Mr. Forsythe played a crucial role in the show “Charlie’s Angels” (1976-81), about three young, scantily clad female detectives — the series’ three original actresses were Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Farrah Fawcett. Mr. Forsythe’s part was as the sexy telephone voice of their boss, a millionaire private eye who had others handle his cases.

In the 1980s he earned two Golden Globes for “Dynasty,” plus four additional nominations and three Emmy Award nominations for the same role. In the 1950s, he received an Emmy nomination for best actor. (The awards were so new that the acting honors had not been divided into genre categories yet.)

Dynasty TV Opening Theme & Credits

Charlie’s Angels Opening (Pilot Episode 1976, longer opening)

Bachelor Father Opening Credits, Clip from Episode – John Forsythe & Noreen Corcoran (1957)

From StarPulse.com, John Forsythe Of Film And TV Fame Dies At 92:

LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Forsythe, the actor who made his fortune as TV’s affable “Bachelor Father” and the scheming oil tycoon in “Dynasty,” has died. He was 92.

Publicist Harlan Boll says Forsythe died late Thursday from complications of pneumonia, following a yearlong battle with cancer in Santa Ynez.

Despite his distinguished work in theater and films, Forsythe’s greatest fame arose from his role of Blake Carrington in the 1981-89 primetime soap opera “Dynasty.”

With his full head of silver hair, tanned face and soothing voice, Forsythe as Carrington attracted the ardor of millions of female television viewers.

While he had small roles in a couple of films in the early 1940s, Forsythe’s first successes were mainly on the stage.

From TMZ, John Forsythe Dies:

John Forsythe — one of the most famous TV actors ever — died yesterday.

Forsythe was best known for his roles on “Charlie’s Angels,” “Dynasty” and “Bachelor Father.”

Forsythe died of pneumonia and cancer. He was 92.

In lieu of flowers, John’s wife and family request donations to the American Cancer Society.

There will be no public service.

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