Charles Kimbrough, who starred in Murphy Brown for ten seasons, died on January 11 at 86.
Jim Kimbrough, the actor’s son, reportedly claimed that his father had passed away naturally in Culver City, California.
Kimbrough had a successful career in film and television and was well-known for his work in the theatre community. A Tony Award and an Emmy nomination were also made for him.
According to a statement from Kimbrough’s agent Donna Massetti, Charles Kimbrough was a client and friend for more than 30 years. He was a joy to watch when performing or speaking to the camera.
Jim Dial, the Murphy Brown anchorman, was Kimbrough’s most well-known character; he played a part in all 247 episodes of the show from its 1988–1998 run and returned to it for three episodes of the 2018 revival.
The news of #CharlesKimbrough’s (“Murphy Brown’s” Jim Dial) passing saddens me enormously. He and his marvelous lady, “Alice’s” #BethHowland, made room for me at their table at a CBS press event years ago — and we had a lovely evening. May both wonderful people Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/2mqY64gMBu
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) February 5, 2023
Charles received a 1990 Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his work on Murphy Brown and a 1971 Tony Award nomination for best-featured actor for his role as Harry in Company.
In Disney’s well-known 1996 film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, LKimbrough, a Minnesota native, has also provided the voice of Victor the gargoyle. He reprised the voice role for the 2002 prequel and some subsequent video games.
According to Fox, the actress’s wife, Beth Howland, who played Vera, the diner server, in the CBS comedy Alice, allegedly passed away in 2016.
In 2012, Charles told The Wall Street Journal, “Unfortunately, I’m pretty good at playing jackasses. I’ve always had a slight sense of insecurity as an actress, which I suppose occasionally comes across as arrogance.
At an audition when I was thirty years old, I started projecting an image that made people picture me with a three-piece suit or an attaché case.
“If there were a stiff-guy role when I walked in, the director would smile. Honest to God, I didn’t want that reply. My mood was terrible.
Before moving into the TV and film industries, Kimbrough was well-known on Broadway. Together with Sarah Jessica Parker, he co-starred in the 1995 off-Broadway production of Sylvia.
Please accept our condolences and thanks for the memories, Charles Kimbrough.
