The Tragic Death Of Murphy Brown Actor Charles Kimbrough

Tragic news about a famous actor's death has just been announced. On January 11, 2023, Charles Kimbrough died at the age of 86, per The New York Times (via The Hollywood Reporter). Details on Charles' cause of death haven't been revealed, per TMZ. The actor is survived by his son, John Kimbrough.

Charles garnered attention for his role in the classic sitcom "Murphy Brown" as network anchor Jim Dial, a supporting role that scored him an Emmy nomination in 1990.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, Charles was also well-established in the theater scene and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1971 for Best Featured Actor in Stephen Sondheim's musical "Company." He starred in a number of theatrical productions, including the 1995 comedy "Sylvia" alongside "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker. According to his IMDb page, Charles also acted in a variety of popular films including the 1996 Disney animated film "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and the 2001 rom-com "The Wedding Planner" with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.

Following his death, Charles' fans, industry professionals, and loved ones are commemorating the beloved actor.

Inside of the entertainment industry, Charles Kimbrough was known to be a passionate and hard-working actor. Back in 2007, "Murphy Brown" creator Diane English revealed details about Kimbrough's artistic process to the Archive of American Television (via The Hollywood Reporter). She said that Kimbrough "wrote a whole biography for his character before he started to play him." She continued, "Charlie is the most lovable, lanky, rubbery, sweet, adorable man. When he came in to read for us as Jim Dial, he brought it all there: ramrod posture, anchor voice, slick-back hair. He brought a credibility to the character."

English wasn't the only industry professional to gush about Kimbrough's remarkable talent and commitment. Lee Aronsohn, a co-creator of "Two and a Half Men" and writer for "Murphy Brown," tweeted, "I worked with Charles Kimbrough on Murphy Brown. He was a no-drama professional with a dead-on sense of comedic timing — and completely unlike his character." 

Fans also remembered Kimbrough's incredible achievements. One user reflected on his long career, tweeting, "RIP Charles Kimbrough, 86, who we know from his role on Murphy Brown. He had been acting and doing musical theatre since 1964." Kimbrough has surely inspired others and left a legacy.