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

Randolph Mantooth, who portrayed paramedic Johnny Gage on the 1970s NBC drama "Emergency!", died on July 9 in Ventura at the age of 80, his brother said. The series, which aired for six seasons, introduced the concept of paramedics to a broad audience and featured Mantooth performing many of his own stunts.

Beyond "Emergency!", Mantooth appeared in guest roles on shows such as "Adam-12", "Dallas", "Charlie’s Angels" and "The Love Boat". He later transitioned to daytime television, playing Clay Alden on the soap opera "Loving" in 1987, followed by a two-year stint as Richard Halifax on "General Hospital" and additional periods on "Loving", "The City", "As the World Turns" and "One Life to Live". Later credits include appearances on "Criminal Minds", "Ghost Whisperer" and "Sons of Anarchy".

Born in Sacramento, Mantooth was of Cherokee and Seminole heritage. He studied at Santa Barbara City College before earning a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where a stage performance led to a contract with Universal Studios. Early television work included roles on "Ironside", "The Virginian", "Marcus Welby, M.D." and "The Bold Ones".

Mantooth was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and spent his final months in a hospice facility. He is survived by his wife, Kristen, and his siblings, Donald and Tonya.