Actor John Aylward of ‘ER’ and ‘The West Wing’ dies at 75

SEATTLE — Actor John Aylward, known for his work on the hit TV series “ER” and “The West Wing,” died at home in Seattle this week, Deadline was first to report.

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Aylward’s wife confirmed his death to his longtime agent, Mitchell K. Stubbs, Deadline reported. Aylward’s wife said the actor had been in declining health.

“I was shocked. He was a wonderful actor and a phenomenal human being,” Stubbs told Deadline. “He was a dream client, a friend and a dream person.”

An ER fan tribute page on Instagram posted a remembrance to Aylward, who was quickly remembered in the comments by the actors with whom he worked on the show.

Noah Wyle, who played Dr. John Carter on the show, posted, “Very sad news indeed. John was an amazing actor, a gentleman, and a wonderful friend. He’ll be missed.”

Eriq LaSalle, who played Dr. Peter Benton on ER, posted, “He truly was a class act. A great gentle spirit who was always gracious and a joy to work with. A very talented human being.”

Aylward was cast on “ER” in 1996, during its third season, after a producer saw him in a live performance in Los Angeles, Variety reported.

While Aylward was best known for his work on “ER” and “The West Wing,” he also was one of the founders of Seattle’s Empty Space Theatre, and worked for 15 years as a company member of the Seattle Repertory Theater until he began his work in television, according to his biography at the University of Washington School of Drama.

Aylward is survived by his wife, Mary Fields, Variety reported.

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