Celebrity Death: Actor Morgan Stevens Dead At 70

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.

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.

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.

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" 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.