Ron Masak, who played Sheriff Mort Metzger on 'Murder, She Wrote,' died on Thursday at the age of 86.
The actor was also known as "The King of Commercials," having served as a pitchman for Vlasic pickles, Rice-a-Roni, and more
Ron Masak, the character actor best known for his role as Cabot Cove's Sheriff Mort Metzger on Murder, She Wrote, has died at the age of 86.
Masak's daughter shared the sad news in a Facebook post on Thursday. "He has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed," she wrote.
She added that he "was surrounded by his wife [Kay] and all six children" at the time of his death.
His granddaughter Kaylie Defilippis later confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he died of natural causes at a hospital in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Born in Chicago, Ill., on July 1, 1936, Masak's first notable role was in a 1960 episode of The Twilight Zone. He went on to appear in a string of TV shows throughout the '70s and '80s including I Dream of Jeannie, The Monkees, Get Smart, Bewitched, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Wonder Woman, among others.
In 1985, he began a recurring role as Sheriff Mort Metzger opposite Angela Lansbury on Murder, She Wrote. He would go on to appear in 41 episodes until the iconic CBS series ended in 1996.
Masak also had roles in a number of films, including The Benchwarmers, Angels on Tap, Ice Station Zebra, Knievel, and Listen to Me.
Fondly known as "The King of Commercials," he spent 15 years as the frontman for Vlasic pickles and also appeared in ads for such brands as Rice-a-Roni, Glad sandwich bags, Spray 'n Wash, and Zenith TVs.
News of Masak's passing came just nine days after the death of Lansbury, who died earlier this month at the age of 96.
In addition to his wife and children, Masak is survived by 10 grandchildren.
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