Remembering Paxton Whitehead: The Beloved English Actor and Playwright

On June 16, 2023, we lost a bright star in the entertainment industry — English actor and playwright Paxton Whitehead, who passed away at the age of 85. Whitehead’s career spanned across several decades, during which he graced the Broadway stage, small and big screens with his remarkable talent.

Whitehead started his career in the early 1960s, working primarily in theater productions in England before moving to America in the ’80s. He quickly gained popularity, owing to his natural flair and excellent delivery of comedic and dramatic roles. Some of his most notable appearances include his roles in “Friends,” “Frasier,” and “Mad About You.”

Whitehead was also a familiar face in the Broadway scene, where he delivered many breathtaking performances. He was an Associate Artist of the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and appeared in several productions like “The Miser,” “Richard III,” “Sir Peter Teazle,” and “Noises Off.”

As the news of his passing broke out, tributes and condolences poured in from fans, colleagues, and friends. Glenn Close, one of his longtime friends, expressed her grief on Twitter, saying, “My dearest friend and colleague, Paxton Whitehead, has left us. He was a brilliant actor, a true artist, and a cherished friend. I will miss him dearly.” Whitehead’s former co-star, Jim Piddock, also tweeted out about being heartbroken over his dear friend’s passing.