Actor Randolph Mantooth, star of 1970s TV series Emergency!, dies at 80

Randolph Mantooth died Thursday at a hospice in Ventura, California, his brother said. The actor, 80, was most recognized for his role as Johnny Gage on the 1970s NBC drama Emergency!, a series credited with popularizing paramedic services in the United States.

Mantooth began his career as a contract player at Universal before being cast in Emergency! in 1971. He and co-star Kevin Tighe underwent paramedic training and worked with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to ensure the show’s realism. The series ran for six seasons from 1972 to 1977 and spawned several television movies and an animated spin-off. During its run, the number of paramedic units in North America grew dramatically, and the show is cited by experts as a catalyst for legislative changes that expanded emergency medical services.

Beyond Emergency!, Mantooth appeared in two periods on the ABC soap Loving and had guest roles on General Hospital, As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Battlestar Galactica, Charlie’s Angels and other series. He also acted in films such as He Was a Quiet Man (2007) and made a later appearance on Sons of Anarchy. In 2012, he and Tighe were honored as honorary fire chiefs by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Mantooth is survived by his sister Tonya and his brother Donald, who confirmed his death. He had been ill for several years, according to his family.