Randolph Mantooth Dies at 80, Star of 'Emergency!' and 'Loving'

Randolph Mantooth, best known for his role as paramedic John Gage on the iconic TV series 'Emergency!', has died at the age of 80. Mantooth was born in Sacramento, California, and discovered his passion for acting during high school. He later earned a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where he received the prestigious Charles Jehliger Award. Mantooth's career took off after he was discovered by a Universal Studios talent agent while performing in a production of 'Philadelphia, Here I Come!'. He went on to become a television star with 'Emergency!', which ran for six seasons and made him a household name. Mantooth also reprised his role as John Gage in various other shows, cartoons, and merchandise. He partnered with real-life pal Kevin Tighe (Roy DeSoto) on the popular NBC series, then did lots of soap operas. Mantooth passed away on July 9 in Ventura, California, at the age of 80. 'Emergency!' introduced the profession of paramedics to the public when it first aired in the 1970s. Mantooth also appeared on several soap operas, including 'As the World Turns', 'One Life to Live', and 'The City'.