Trapper John, MD actor Charles Siebert has passed away at the age of 84. The actor was born on March 9, 1938 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After studying to be an actor at Milwaukee's Marquette University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he began his career as a stage actor in the 1960s. In addition to being part of several dramatic companies, including Shakespeare in the Park in New York City, Siebert took to Broadway in Life of Galileo, Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady, and a 1974 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. He also appeared in the musical Jimmy Shine opposite future two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman.
During his time in New York City, Siebert also began acting on television programs that shot in the area, including the popular soap operas As the World Turns and Another World. In 1976, he made the move to Los Angeles where he appeared in projects like the horror cult classic Blue Sunshine and the NBC pilot Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which was eventually scrapped (as was his role) and reworked into the popular teen sitcom Saved by the Bell. It wasn't until 1979 that he landed his first major role as Dr. Stanley Riverside II in the M*A*S*H spinoff Trapper John, MD. This was a role he would play for the series' entire 151 episode run. In addition to further acting roles, Siebert would then go on to a lucrative television directing career that would eventually include episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
Per THR, Siebert has sadly passed away at the age of 84. The news was reported by his daughter, Gillian Bozanic, who survives him along with her two siblings and his wife of over 35 years, Kristine Leroux. Sibert's death, which occurred on May 1, was caused by COVID-related pneumonia.
Although his acting career ended in 1997 (his final role was voicing Poseidon in an episode of Xena) and his directing career ended in 2001 (also with Xena), the final project to feature Siebert released in 2014. He appeared as himself in the 2014 documentary The Green Girl, which told the story of Star Trek actress Susan Oliver. Sibert was certainly no stranger to appearing in onscreen projects as himself, as he made numerous appearances on popular game shows, including The $100,000 Pyramid and Match Game, over the course of his career.
Siebert will be fondly remembered by his friends, family, and countless fans the world over. Tributes to the late actor have already come pouring in on social media from those who loved him, or loved to watch him work. Although his career ended two decades ago, Charles Sibert's legacy lives on, and the influence of his work will certainly stand the test of time.
Source: THR