'Murder, She Wrote' star Ron Masak dies aged 86 days after co-star Angela Lansbury

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Ron Masak, Angela Lansbury's Murder, She Wrote co-star, has died at the age of 86 from natural causes.

The actor's granddaughter Kaylie Defilippis shared the sad news via The Hollywood Reporter.

His death comes just days after the passing of his co-star on the mystery series, Dame Angela Lansbury.

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Masak, who was best known for his portrayal of Sheriff Mort Metzger on Murder, She Wrote, was surrounded by his wife, Kay, and his six children, his family said in a statement to Variety.

His TV and film career spanned six decades, with his other TV appearances including an episode of The Twilight Zone, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Get Smart.

Masak was also known for philanthropy over the years, including his work for charities such as Child Help, Wounded Warriors, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

He is survived by wife Kay, six children and 10 grandchildren.

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His death comes eight days after his co-star, Lansbury, died at the age of 96.

The Irish-British and American star won five Tony Awards for her Broadway performances, was nominated for three Oscars, and was awarded an honorary Academy Award for her lifetime achievement in film in 2013.

Lansbury was also named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The deaths of these two celebrated veteran actors have been met with an outpouring of tributes.

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The actress also voiced Mrs Potts in the 1991 Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.

Per BBC News, a statement from her family read: “The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1.30am, Tuesday 11 October 2022.

“In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury. A private family ceremony will be held at a date to be determined.”

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Masak and Lansbury at this time.

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