Celebrity Death: Actor Morgan Stevens Dead At 70
By Kristin Myers on January 27, 2022 at 11:47 AM EST
Actor Morgan Stevens was found dead on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
According to TMZ, his neighbor asked local authorities to perform a wellness check after he and other neighbors hadn't seen or heard from Stevens in several days. Around 11 am, local officials arrived at his home and found Stevens dead in his kitchen.
Stevens was 70 years old. At this time, authorities believe that he had died of natural causes after finding no signs of foul play.
Who Was Morgan Stevens?
According to his IMDb page, Stevens was most well-known for his roles on "Fame" and "Melrose Place."
Stevens was born on October 16, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He started a career in the entertainment industry shortly after graduating college.
He appeared as teacher David Reardon on two seasons of "Fame." He also appeared in various movies and shows like "A Year in the Life," "The Waltons," "Roses are for the Rich," and "The Return of Marcus Welby M.D.."
Stevens' career in the entertainment industry took a hit after he was arrested following a car accident in August 1989. At the time, he was charged with a DUI. However, a blood alcohol test cleared him of the DUI charge. However, his legal troubles did not stop there. Stevens accused the Los Angeles Police Department of beating him while he was in their custody. Stevens filed a lawsuit against the LAPD for police brutality. They later reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount.
A few years later, Stevens returned to acting in 1992 for his recurring role as character Nick Diamond in the Fox drama series "Melrose Place." His last on-screen appearance was in an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger" in 1999.
January 2022 Is The Month Of Celebrity Deaths
This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed. pic.twitter.com/DLJ8Ntt7LN
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) January 21, 2022
Many high-profile celebrities have passed away in January 2022. Comedians Bob Saget and Louie Anderson passed away, along with singer Meat Loaf and actor Sidney Poitier.
Two more celebrities passed away this week. Charlie Brown voice actor Peter Robbinstook his own life earlier this week. Robbins had first provided the voice of Charlie Brown in the 1963 animated Peanuts short and reprised his role for many other cartoons.
Peter Robbins. You knew him as the voice of Charlie Brown. He committed suicide last week. 💔 If you or someone you know is struggling with depression please get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is free and confidential 1-800-273-8255 #depression #news pic.twitter.com/GVzByR5fHz
— BRAVO👏BRAVO👏BRAVO⭐️ (@Draggerofliars) January 26, 2022
Robbins had been open about his mental health struggles, which saw him in and out of both prison and rehab facilities as he battled both alcohol and drug addiction.
“I would recommend to anybody that has bipolar disorder to take it seriously because your life can turn around in the span of a month, like it did to me,” Robbins was quoting saying. “I came out of prison and I’m a better person for it. I’m much more humble and grateful and thankful that I lived through the experience.”
'Seinfeld' Actress Kathryn Kates Passes Away
"Seinfeld" and "Orange is the New Black" actress Kathryn Kates also passed away earlier this week. The New York native passed away from cancer in Florida. She was 73 years old.
The Headline Talent Agency announced the news in an Instagram post.
“Our mighty @officialkathrynkates has passed away,” they wrote. “She will always be remembered and adored in our hearts as the powerful force of nature she was.”
“She loved this craft and had enough patience to fill 10 ships,” the statement continued. “A true icon. We will miss you.”
Many colleagues took to social media in order to express their condolences for her passing.
The incredible @kathrynjkates passed away. Kathryn Kates was someone I knew via my daughter having worked with her & we kept in touch. I greatly admired her work & she knew it. I told her many times and I’m glad I did - outspoken, true, caring, memorable actress in every part.
— Elle Jones (@ellej0nes) January 23, 2022
We are 💔 to learn of the passing of Kathryn Kates. She made us laugh on two episodes of Seinfeld but leaves a legacy of kindness and humanity to all those she touched. RIP Kathryn pic.twitter.com/VY1oRceFpf
— This Podcast is Making Me Thirsty - Seinfeld (@ThisThirsty) January 24, 2022
I am so upset to hear about the passing of Kathryn Kates, an actress of tremendous empathy, vigor and joy. She played “Sheyne” in the 2018 reading of my musical “Rubble Rubble.” She was so kind to me, and I always assumed we’d make something together again. I will miss her. 💔 pic.twitter.com/BDM2UioX6r
— Long COVID Killjoy (@dangerfishback) January 23, 2022