John Hostetter – a character actor best known for his time on the popular long-running sitcom Murphy Brown – has passed away at the age of 69.
Hostetter’s family says he had been battling cancer for several years.
In 60 episodes of Murphy Brown, Hostetter played John, the levelheaded stage manager of the fictional show-within-a-show, FYI.
He racked up dozens of other and television credits over the years, including parts on NYPD Blue, MacGyver, L.A. Law, ER, Family Ties, and G.I. Joe.
His film credits include Into the Night, Heartbreak Ridge, Beverly Hills Cop II, No Way Out and Leonard Part 6, opposite Bill Cosby.
Hostetter is also well-known to Muppets fans for his role in the cult favorite DVD Kermit’s Swampland.
The Brooklyn native, who grew up in Hanover, Maryland, got his start on the stage.
Hostetter reportedly wowed audiences in a 1971 production of Waiting For Godot, in which he co-starred with a young Christopher Reeve.
But it wasn’t until 1988 that Hostetter rose to national prominence after being cast on Brown – one of the most popular and acclaimed sitcoms of its time.
The show won’t be found in many syndicated markets these days, as its topical, political humor made it very much a product of its era.
During its ten-season run on CBS, however, the series was regarded as a ground-breaking television achievement.
A sitcom that skewered, with equal aplomb, the worlds of Washington and TV news, Brown helped paved the way for politically-charged scripted series, as well as left-leaning late night shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
It’s difficult to overstate the show’s influence, and while he was never a principal cast member, Hostetter was a favorite amongst fans.
While Brown‘s political commentary helped it win over critics, the purely comedic scenes, of the variety that so often featured Hostetter, were essential to making a commercial hit.
Social media tributes from fans and colleagues alike began pouring in on social media shortly after news of Hostetter’s death went public.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Del Hostetter.
Our thoughts go out to the actor’s family during this difficult time.