Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ star who played Johnny Gage, dead at 80

Randolph Mantooth, the actor best known for playing firefighter-paramedic Johnny Gage on the 1970s NBC series "Emergency!," has died at the age of 80. His brother Donald Mantooth confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died Thursday at a hospice facility in Ventura, California, after a long illness. Mantooth shot to fame in 1972 with the role, starring alongside Kevin Tighe for six seasons and performing most of his own stunts. He later reprised the role on shows like "Adam-12" and remained a lifelong advocate for firefighters and paramedics. Born in Sacramento, California, Mantooth discovered acting through school plays and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York before signing with Universal. His career included appearances on "Dallas," "Charlie's Angels," "Criminal Minds," and "Sons of Anarchy," as well as a lengthy run in daytime television on shows like "Loving" and "General Hospital." He is survived by his wife, Kristen, and his siblings, Donald and Tonya.