John Aylward dies: Former The West Wing and ER actor dies at 75

The actor, whose career spanned more than four decades, died overnight at his home in Seattle on Monday with wife Mary Fields saying his death was due to declining health.

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John Aylward as Dr. Donald Anspaugh in ER

John Aylward – star of The West Wing and ER – has died at the age of 75.

The actor, whose career spanned more than four decades, passed away overnight at his home in Seattle on Monday, according to entertainment news site Deadline.

Aylward’s wife, Mary Fields, told his longtime agent, Mitchell K. Stubbs, of his death, which was due to his declining health.

Stubbs told Deadline of his departure: “I’m shocked. He’s a fantastic actor and phenomenal human being. He was a dream client, a friend and a dreamer. “

Stubbs also took to Twitter to announce Aylward’s passing on Wednesday, writing: “Received a devastating call from Mary Fields, wife of John Aylward.

“This kind man and a wonderful actor has left us. We are grateful to have known and worked with you, sir. RIP.”

Born and raised in Seattle, he graduated from the Professional Actors Training Program at the University of Washington in 1970 before becoming one of the founders of Seattle’s Empty Space Theater three years later.

He is known for his role as Doctor Donald Anspaugh on the medical drama series ER, playing the character from 1996 to 2008.

Anspaugh is a cardiothoracic surgeon at County General and a member of the hospital’s board of directors and chief of staff.

According to Deadline, Aylward joined ER after show co-producer Carol Flynt suggested he audition after seeing him in the 1996 Los Angeles-produced Psychopathia Sexualis, for which he won the Drama Logue Award. 1996 for outstanding performance.

Aylward is also known for playing former Democratic National Committee Chairman Barry Goodwin in the political drama The West Wing from 2005 to 2006.

He also had some small roles in films such as Niles in 1993’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, Sheriiff Haynes in Finding Graceland, Dr. Banks in Armageddon and most recently The Way Back in 2020.

In addition, Aylward also voiced Dr. Arne Magnusson in the video game Half-Life 2: Episode Two.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Stubbs added: “John is a great actor and a great friend to many people.

“He takes pride in his film and television work, although his life in theater is where he is happiest.”

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