Veteran Actor John Aylward Dead At 75

Veteran actor John Aylward, best known for his roles in “Armageddon” and the NBC medical drama “ER,” has passed away at the age of 75.

His longtime agent, Mitchell Stubbs, confirmed that the actor had died of natural causes Monday at his home in Seattle after battling a long illness.

“John was a wonderful actor and a great friend to many,” Stubbs said, as per People. “He was proud of his film and television work, although his life in the theater was where he was the happiest. He was a good man.”

Born in Seattle on Nov. 7, 1946, the late actor completed his training program at the University of Washington’s school of drama in 1970. He later founded the Empty Space Theatre in 1973 and landed his first television role in the 1976 telefilm “The Secret Life of John Chapman.” He went on to serve as a regular actor in Seattle Repertory Theatre for 15 years while getting small roles in television films.

His TV credits include “Stamp of a Killer,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Grace Under Fire,” “Ally McBeal,” “Child in the Night,” “With a Vengeance,” “The X-Files,” “The Practice,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Judging Army” and “Third Degree Burn.” He landed a recurring role on “Northern Exposure” in the 90s.

He also appeared in “Family Law,” “Dharma & Greg,” “Everwood,” “Law & Order,” “Boston Legal,” “Mad Men,” “Yellowstone,” “Fringe” and “Alias.”

After his standout performance as Carol Flynt in “Psychopathia Sexualis” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, Aylward was offered a recurring role in the hit NBC series “ER,” where he played Dr. Anspaugh, the surgeon and hospital board member at County General Hospital who was always in conflict with his colleagues. He appeared in more than 70 episodes of the show and made his final appearance during its 15th and final season in 2008. He was also lauded for his portrayal of former DNC chairman Barry Goodwin in “The West Wing,” where he appeared between 2005 and 2006.

Aylward is also known for his roles in film, most notably in “Armageddon,” “Instinct” “and “The Crazies.” He also appeared alongside Ben Affleck in the 2020 movie “The Way Back.”