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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.

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.”

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.” 

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.

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.”

“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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