Paxton Whitehead, Friends actor, dies at 85

English actor and playwright, Paxton Whitehead, whose career spanned nearly seven decades and included countless television and film roles – has died aged 85.

The actor, who was best known for playing Mr Waltham on Friends, son Charles has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that his father had died at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia on June 16. 

His team also reflected on the loss, sharing that Whitehead was "loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him."

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"He was a cherished client, a luminary in the acting world who is renowned for his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft," a representative separately told E! News in a statement. 

"He was admired for his versatility and many roles he performed on stage, TV and film. His contributions to the world of entertainment will be cherished and remembered for years to come.

Whitehead made a triumphant Broadway debut in the 1962 play The Affair, he then went on to appear in numerous Broadway productions such as The Harlequin Studies, My Fair Lady and The Crucifer of Blood.

Just two years later, he would be nominated for a Tony Award for his role in Camelot.

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However, Whitehead also had a quite successful television career with one of his most recognisable roles being Rachel Green's boss on the sitcom Friends.

Whitehead portrayed Mr Waltham, a snooty manager at Bloomingdale's who would eventually go on to introduce Emily Waltham to Ross Gellar.

As well as this, Whitehead also landed guest roles in Murder, She Wrote, Ellen, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Drew Carey Show, Mad About You, Frasier and Law & Order. 

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In his later years, the actor would stray away from television work and go back to the stage with his last on stage performance being back in 2014.

Shortly after his passing, English actor Jim Piddock shared a tribute to Twitter honouring his long-time friend, writing:

"Heartbroken to hear my dear friend and mentor Paxton Whitehead has passed away," Piddock shared in a statement to Twitter. "He was an extraordinary actor, a brilliant friend, and truly wonderful human being. He meant so much to so many people and always brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered."