Paxton Whitehead, an actor known for his role on “Friends” and his Tony-nominated “Camelot,” died on Friday at 85 years old. He reportedly died at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia.
“Paxton was loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him,” Whitehead’s rep Robert Attermann wrote in a statement.
He was popular for his act in “Friends,” where he played the role of Mr. Waltham, the Bloomingdale’s boss of Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green; his TV guest roles included stints on “The Drew Carey Show,” “The West Wing,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Mad About You” and “Frasier.”
Whitehead, who made his silver screen debut in 1986’s “Back to School,” also starred in the 2001 fantasy romance film “Kate and Leopold”, “My Fair Lady,” “The Harlequin Studies,” “Suite in Two Keys” amongst others.
Paxton Whitehead was nominated for a Tony award for his performance as King Pellinore in 1980s “Camelot” (he also starred in the 2005 revival too).
“He was a cherished client, a luminary in the acting world who is renowned for his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft,” Attermann continued on the late star.
“He was admired for his versatility and many roles he performed on stage, TV and film. His contributions to the world of entertainment will be cherished and remembered for years to come.”
In a 2017 interview, Paxton said he loved acting comedy the most; “Everybody says they are difficult to do, but it depends. You either have a knack for it or you don’t”, he said.
“I think it is hard for some people. I found it not so difficult. I don’t know. I just seemed to respond to it”.
“When I was younger, I would try very hard to get the vocal point right. If I felt the rhythm and sound of the character – if I got that right, and usually the difference is very subtle – then I think everything else seemed to follow, the movement and so on.”
Paxton Whitehead was born on October 17, 1937, in Kent, England. As wanted to become an actor from a young age and studied at London’s Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts at 17 years old.
He worked with a small touring firm before making his first professional appearance in 1956 shortly before signing with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Whitehead was married to Scottish actress Patricia Gage from 1971 through 1986 and got married to Katherine Jane Robertson in 1987. He is survived by two children; Sarah Whitehead and Charles Whitehead.
