MURPHY BROWN Star & Emmy Winner Jay Thomas Dies at Age 69

Deadline reports that Jay Thomas, best known for his roles on CHEERS, MURPHY BROWN and RAY DONOVAN has passed away following a battle with cancer at the age of 69. His death was announced to the New York Daily News by his agent and friend Don Buchwald. He is survived by wife Sally, and sons Sam, Max and J.T.

Thomas' notable television work includes his co-starring role as Remo DaVinci on Mork & Mindy (1979-81), the recurring role of Eddie LeBec on Cheers (1987-89), the lead character Jack Stein on Love & War (1992-95), and a repeat guest role as Jerry Gold on Murphy Brown. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 1990 and 1991 for portraying Gold.

In 1997, he starred in the television film Killing Mr. Griffin, based on the novel of the same name. In film, he co-starred in Mr Holland's Opus and portrayed The Easter Bunny in The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3. He was also an annual guest on THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN during the Christmas season, where he told a story about how he met Clayton Moore, who portrayed the self-titled character on The Lone Ranger.

Since 2005, he has hosted The Jay Thomas Show on Sirius Satellite Radio, and is on every Friday afternoon on Howard 101.

Watch an appearance by Thomas on David Letterman below:

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