Editor TLN
() — Richard Roat, an actor who amassed an impressive list of credits by appearing on dozens of iconic television shows from the early ’60s to the mid-2000s, died earlier this month, according to an obituary of his family published in the Los Angeles Times. Roat was 89.
Roat was well known for his regular role on the daytime soap opera “The Doctors,” playing Dr. Jerry Chandler. After that project, he moved on to steady work as a character actor, with credits spanning five decades of television, from “Hawaii Five-O” and “Columbo” in the ’70s to “Cold Case” and “24” during the first decade of 2000.
Jay Leno, Ellen Reagan and Richard Roat in the TV movie ‘Almost Heaven’. Roat died on August 5 at the age of 89.
He has also appeared in episodes of such beloved sitcoms as “Friends” (as Ross’s colleague in “The One Where Ross Dates a Student”) and “Seinfeld” (as a doctor in “The Package”).
According to his obituary, Roat had “more than 135 acting roles on television, film, and Broadway.” He also had “a successful practice as an entertainment industry tax preparer for more than 50 years,” the memorial says.
Roat is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Kathy.
