Warren Frost, a veteran television star best known for his roles on Twin Peaks and Seinfeld, died on Friday in Middlebury, Vermont following a lengthy illness.
He was 91 years old.
Showtime confirmed this sad news in a statement, while Twin Peaks co-creator Mark Frost, Warren’s son, relayed the following to fans:
“We’re saddened today to announce the passing of our dear old dad, Warren Frost.
“From the Normandy shores on D-Day to his 50-year career on stage and screen, he remained the same humble guy from Vermont who taught us that a life devoted to telling the right kind of truths can make a real difference in the lives of others.”
“We’re grateful to have shared him with the world for as long as we did.”
Frost portrayed Dr. Will Hayward, the coroner who refused to perform Laura Palmer’s autopsy on the original ABC run of Twin Peaks.
He came out of retirement to reprise the role in Showtime’s upcoming revival, which is scheduled to air later this year.
The actor, who was born in Massachusetts, also served in the Navy during World War II and appeared on five episodes of Seinfeld as Susan Ross’ father-in-law, who often clashed with George Costanza.
You may remember him as the man who went toe-to-toe with George over the existence of George’s supposed cabin in upstate New York.
After breaking into the entertainment industry in New York City, Frost moved to Los Angeles in 1958 to continue working in TV, guest-starring on episodes of such hit series as Perry Mason and Dragnet.
He also had roles in movies such as The Mating Game, It Started with a Kiss and Slaughterhouse-Five.
In 1990, Frost joined the cast of Twin Peaks.
Two years later, it was on to Seinfeld.
The beloved actor also recurred on Matlock,and made a multitude appearances on shows like The Larry Sanders Show, Murphy Brown, Life Goes On, and L.A. Law.
Frost retired in 2000 and moved back to Vermont, yet returned to acting to appear in the upcoming Twin Peaks revival.
It debuts in May.
Along with his son, Frost is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia, and his three kids: Mark, novelist and photographer Scott Frost, and actress and artist Lindsay Frost; as well as three grandchildren.
May he rest in peace.
We send our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Warren Frost.
Along with those who were close to all the stars (above) who died this year.