Orson Bean, of Dr. Quinn and Desperate Housewives, Dead at 91
Veteran actor and comedian Orson Bean died on Friday night after being struck by a car while crossing a street in Venice, Calif. He was 91.
An Army vet who was stationed in postwar Japan in the mid-1940s, Bean (born Dallas Frederick Burrows) began his entertainment career as a magician, before segueing into stand-up comedy. Starting in the 1950s, he was a regular panelist on To Tell the Truth. He also appeared on other game shows as well as Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show (on which he would be a guest more than 200 times).
Bean’s TV acting credits include (but are by no means limited to) Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and its spin-off Fernwood 2Nite, The Facts of Life, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Normal Ohio, 7th Heaven and Desperate Housewives. Most recently, he appeared in a November 2018 episode of Superstore and the latest season of Grace and Frankie (which dropped Jan. 15).
Among his many stage credits, he earned a Tony Award nomination in 1961 for the musical Subways Are for Sleeping and enjoyed a long run in the comedy Never Too Late. His film roles included Being John Malkovich and The Equalizer 2.
Bean’s survivors include his third wife/Dr. Quinn co-star Alley Mills, whom he wed in 1993.
Very sorry to hear this news and my condolences to his wife and family. I’ve been a fan of his, since I was a kid watching Dr. Quinn every week. Such a tragic circumstance. Rest in Peace, Sir.
What a terrible way to go after such a long life lived. May he rest in peace.
Sad. Didn’t know the mom from the Wonder Years was his wife.
RIP
I worked with him on a few game shows in the 90’s. He was always funny and polite. A true professional. RIP
Just saw him on Grace & Frankie. Was pleasantly surprised to see he was still healthy and working. Such a tragic way to end his long life. I’ve been watching him on tv since I was a kid. RIP Orson!
Orson Bean was so talented. Both his humor and warmth always were projected. I saw him in SUBWAYS ARE FOR SLEEPING where he and Phyllis Newman stole the show. He was never less than wonderful. Condolences to his family. Thanks, Orson. R.I.P.
This is so darn SAD! What an amazing actor. Loved seeing him in the new season of Grace and Frankie. Rest in peace. 😢😢😢😢😢
RIP.
Your sister site, Deadline, has more info and states he was hit by two cars. The first clipped him and the second ran him over when people\ were trying to slow him down.
His wife was waiting for him at a theater he was trying to get to.
A real shame.
RIP.
So sad, I can remember watching him on To Tell The Truth, a 50-60’s game show hosted by Bud Collier.
How awful to make it to 91 years old only to be taken out by a car crossing the street. Messed up.
What a sad and horrible death. Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.