We previously reported that the legendary actress Angela Lansbury passed away last week at the age of 96. Now, it’s tragically been revealed that her former “Murder She Wrote” co-star Ron Masak has died just nine days later.
Very sad news: the wonderful Ron Masak, who played Sheriff Mort Metzger on Murder, She Wrote, passed away at the age of 86. Just days after the passing of Dame Angela.
Depest condolences to Mr. Masak's family and friends.
R.I.P., sir… pic.twitter.com/Tp6GbJE0Ee
— Remembering Dame Angela Lansbury ?? (@_AngelaLansbury) October 21, 2022
Masak Dies At 86
Masak’s death was announced on Facebook by his daughter, who said that he died on Thursday at the age of 86. He died of natural causes, according to Daily Mail.
“This is Ron’s daughter and it is with a very heavy and broken heart that today October 20, 2022 our Father Ron Masak passed at the age of 86,” his daughter wrote. “He was surrounded by his wife and all six children. Ron was known for his expansive career in the entertainment industry.”
R.I.P. to longtime actor Ron Masak, best known for playing Sheriff Mort Metzger on “Murder, She Wrote.” His family tells me he passed away today of natural causes at the age of 86.
Ron worked in TV, in movies & on stage and in commercials for more than 60 years. pic.twitter.com/5DY8vqoF7U— George Pennacchio (@abc7george) October 21, 2022
Masak’s daughter went on to talk about his lengthy career in Hollywood, which spanned over 60 years. She also discussed the various charity efforts that he was devoted to throughout his life.
“He was best known as ‘The King of Commercials,’ as well as for his role as Sheriff Mort Metzger on ‘Murder, She Wrote,'” she continued. “Ron also spent many years playing an integral role in various charity events for Wounded Warriors, Child Help, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Susan G. Komen Foundation, The Jerry Lewis Telethon, and many more.”
“Most importantly, we will remember him as a husband, a Father, a Papa, a Father in Law, and a great friend,” the statement concluded. “He has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.”
Dame Angela Lansbury and the late Ron Masak talk about the inception of Murder, She Wrote.
R.I.P., Ms. Flether and Sheriff Mort Metzger.
Thank you for the lifetime of entertainment and comfort. pic.twitter.com/I2Egl9kNh3
— Remembering Dame Angela Lansbury ?? (@_AngelaLansbury) October 21, 2022
Related: ‘Murder She Wrote’ And ‘ Beauty And The Beast’ Actress Dame Angela Lansbury Dead At 96
Maskak’s Life And Career
People Magazine reported that Masak was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1936, and he launched his career in television in 1960 after studying acting at Chicago City College. Over the next two decades, he guest starred on many classic television shows like “Get Smart,” Bewitched,” “I Dream Of Jeannie,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and more.
Masak finally got his big break in 1985 when he was nearly 60 years old and was cast on “Murder She Wrote” in the role of Sheriff Mort Metzger. He would go on to act in over forty episodes of the show over the next eleven years until it finally went off the air in 1996 after twelve seasons.
During this same time period, Masak earned himself the nickname “King Of Commercials” because of the amount of voiceover work he did for ads for brands like Vlasic pickles, Rice-A-Roni and others.
This one hurts…sad news to report. #RonMasak, age 86, passed away yesterday (10/20/22) at home surrounded by his family per a FB post from his daughter. No cause of death was listed. He appeared 5x on #Bewitched most memorably in S5 as Buck in "Samantha's Power Failure.” RIP? pic.twitter.com/FIcmylAJnr
— BewitchedHistoryBook (@BewitchedBook) October 21, 2022
Lansbury Passes Away
This sadly comes at a time when “Murder She Wrote” fans are still in mourning for Lansbury, who died on October 11, just five days shy of her 97th birthday.
“The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday,” her family said in a statement announcing her death.
“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,” they added. “She was proceeded in death by her husband of 53 years, Peter Shaw. A private family ceremony will be held at a date to be determined.”
So sorry to learn that Ron Masak the wonderful actor who played Sheriff Mort Metzger on Murder, She Wrote has passed. My favourite MSW sheriff, he was smart, dedicated & loved “Mrs. F”. #solvealonga #solvealongamurdershewrote #murdershewrote #jessicafletcher #jbfletcher #fangelas pic.twitter.com/5DQ3cOrLcw
— solvealongamurdershewrote (@solvealonga) October 21, 2022
“Murder She Wrote” is a show that brought joy to millions of fans, and the work Lansbury and Masak did will never be forgotten. May they both rest in peace, and please join us in saying a prayer for their families during this difficult time.
Read Next: Dame Angela Lansbury Guest-Starred On ‘Magnum P.I.’ In Epic Crossover With ‘Murder, She Wrote’
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