Veteran television and film actor Richard Roat passed away earlier this month. He was 89 years old. Roat was best known for his portrayal of Dr. Berg in Seinfield and Burt in Friends. Read on to know how did Richard Roat die and what was the cause of his death.
Richard Roat had a legendary entertainment career spanning nearly 50 years. He appeared in more than 135 roles on television, film, and Broadway. Fans are currently mourning the loss of the legendary actor.
How did Richard Roat die?
Richard Roat died on August 5, 2024, in Orange County, California, surrounded by his loved ones. His wife, Kathy, announced and confirmed the tragic news of his passing to news outlets today. An obituary for Richard Roat was shared in the Los Angeles Times.
He was described as the Lakers and Angels’ “biggest fan” and “the most supporting friend a person in the entertainment industry could ever have.”
“His greatest love was his family. Richard was fortunate to marry the love of his life, his true soulmate, Kathy,” it reads.
“Richard will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and clients. He will be thought of often, with warm memories and a quiet chuckle for the good times he brought to our lives.”
Richard Roat dead: What was the cause of his death?
In the statements shared by Richard’s family, no cause of his death was revealed. It’s speculated that he died of natural causes and may have been suffering from an unannounced illness previously.
He was very old at the time of his death. Hence, it’s likely that Richard had a number of old-age-related problems before passing away to a better place.
Richard Roat had a career in entertainment spanning nearly 50 years
Richard Roat was born in 1933 in Connecticut, New England, United States. He was a character actor with a legendary career in entertainment that spanned more than 50 years. Some of his most memorable roles came in sitcoms like Seinfield, Friends, and Dallas
He started his career by performing on Broadway and at The Public Theatre in Central Park, the Huntington Hartford Theatre in LA, and the Pasadena Playhouse. He got his big break with the early 1960s soap opera “The Doctors” where he played Dr. Jerry Chandler in 172 episodes.
Roat also appeared on Hawaii Five-O, Cheers, Happy Days, The Mary Tyler Show, The F.B.I, Westword, Kojak, and St. Elsewhere. He worked on numerous other television programs.
Roat appeared in Seinfield opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Dr. Berg in the Season 8 episode “The Package” where he labeled Dreyfus’ character Elaine a difficult patient. He also played Burt in Friends, a concerned colleague who busted Ross for dating a student.
Apart from TV, Roat also appeared in a number of films including American Hot Wax and Corvette of Summer. In the later years of his career, Roat was seen on shows like Golden Girls, Days of our Lives, The New Adventures of Superman, 3rd Rock From the Sun, 7th Heaven, and Cold Case.
His final appearance came as Robert in the Fox crime drama 24 (2009). Roat was a also successful tax preparer for a long period of time under his firm Richard Roat Associates. He was also an avid whiskey connoisseur.
Richard Roat is survived by his Wife Kathy
Richard Roat is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy. The two tied the knot in 1982 and have been together since then.
Ever since the news of his passing was made public, fans and industry stars are sharing tributes remembering the late actor.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.
