Barnard Hughes ("Doc") Dies at 91 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Dr. Thong · 07-12-2006, 07:00 PM

Some of you out there may remember a short-lived (I believe it lasted about a year) sitcom from the mid-'70s called Doc. I don't remember much about it, but the lead actor, Barnard Hughes was a well-known character actor who appeared in many shows & movies. Anyway, I just came across this...

Veteran actor Barnard Hughes dies

Veteran actor Barnard Hughes, star of stage, big screen and small screen, has died after a brief illness at age 91.
According to the Associated Press, Hughes passed away on Tuesday at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Hughes appeared in dozens of Broadway productions and also movies like Midnight Cowboy, Doc Hollywood, Sister Act 2 and The Lost Boys (as the seemingly clueless grandfather-turned-last-minute-rescuer).

He is perhaps best known to TV-viewing veterans as the star of such series as Doc, Mister Merlin and Blossom.

Hughes won an Emmy for a guest stint on Lou Grant and a Tony for his role in Hugh Leonard's Da in 1978 (a role he also played in the 1988 film version opposite Martin Sheen).

Hughes was born in 1915 in New York and worked as a salesman, among other jobs, before auditioning for a show after a friend dared him to.

After military service in WW2, he met his wife Helen Stenborg, while performing in a veteran's hospital show.

Besides Helen, Hughes is survived by two children and a grandson.

[Published: 12-Jul-2006]

TV Knowledge Fan · 07-12-2006, 07:20 PM

...I certainly remember Barnard Hughes as "Max Merlin" on "MR. MERLIN"- probably the best thing about that program was him! {and maybe Elaine Joyce, although J.D. Salinger was lucky to have a long-term relationship with her, strictly on seeing her on the series every week}. I also remember Mr. Hughes from another short-lived series, "THE CAVANAUGHS" (CBS, 1988-'89), of which I'm sure even YOU weren't aware of [Art Carney made a few appearances during the series as Hughes' brother]. He was a damn good actor, no matter what he did.

Mr. Television · 07-12-2006, 08:31 PM

Sure I remember Doc. I used to watch it every week. He also starred on Blossom.

R.I.P.

Lamont · 07-12-2006, 10:40 PM

great actor
great comic timing
sad to see him go

07-12-2006, 07:00 PM	#1
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Barnard Hughes ("Doc") Dies at 91 Some of you out there may remember a short-lived (I believe it lasted about a year) sitcom from the mid-'70s called Doc. I don't remember much about it, but the lead actor, Barnard Hughes was a well-known character actor who appeared in many shows & movies. Anyway, I just came across this... Veteran actor Barnard Hughes dies Veteran actor Barnard Hughes, star of stage, big screen and small screen, has died after a brief illness at age 91. According to the Associated Press, Hughes passed away on Tuesday at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Hughes appeared in dozens of Broadway productions and also movies like Midnight Cowboy, Doc Hollywood, Sister Act 2 and The Lost Boys (as the seemingly clueless grandfather-turned-last-minute-rescuer). He is perhaps best known to TV-viewing veterans as the star of such series as Doc, Mister Merlin and Blossom. Hughes won an Emmy for a guest stint on Lou Grant and a Tony for his role in Hugh Leonard's Da in 1978 (a role he also played in the 1988 film version opposite Martin Sheen). Hughes was born in 1915 in New York and worked as a salesman, among other jobs, before auditioning for a show after a friend dared him to. After military service in WW2, he met his wife Helen Stenborg, while performing in a veteran's hospital show. Besides Helen, Hughes is survived by two children and a grandson. [Published: 12-Jul-2006]
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07-12-2006, 07:20 PM	#2
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	Yes... ...I certainly remember Barnard Hughes as "Max Merlin" on "MR. MERLIN"- probably the best thing about that program was him! {and maybe Elaine Joyce, although J.D. Salinger was lucky to have a long-term relationship with her, strictly on seeing her on the series every week}. I also remember Mr. Hughes from another short-lived series, "THE CAVANAUGHS" (CBS, 1988-'89), of which I'm sure even YOU weren't aware of [Art Carney made a few appearances during the series as Hughes' brother]. He was a damn good actor, no matter what he did.

07-12-2006, 08:31 PM	#3
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	Sure I remember Doc. I used to watch it every week. He also starred on Blossom. R.I.P.
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07-12-2006, 10:40 PM	#4
Lamont Lamont says Smile! Forum Veteran Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Deep in the Heart of Nowhere Posts: 5,217	... great actor great comic timing sad to see him go
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