In the 1970s, the medical drama series ‘Emergency!’ paved the way for shows centered around firefighters and paramedics. Before the influx of modern medical dramas like ‘New Amsterdam’ and ‘911,’ ‘Emergency!’ captivated audiences with its thrilling rescues and heroic emergency service workers.
If you’re a fan of the show and have wondered about the fate of the original cast members, let’s explore which members of the cast are still alive today.
What was ‘Emergency!’ about?
Set in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, it was an action-adventure medical drama that aired from 1972 to 1979. The series focused on a team of rescuers working as paramedics and firefighters.
It originally started as a midseason replacement and went on to run for seven seasons, consisting of 122 episodes and six two-hour TV movies.
The creators of the show, who had previously worked on ‘Dragnet’ and ‘Adam-12,’ aimed to showcase the daring rescues of firefighters but also introduced the relatively new profession of paramedics into the storyline.
This decision not only added depth to the show but also helped popularize the emerging field of emergency medical services (EMS).
Surviving ‘Emergency!’ Cast Members
The ensemble cast of ‘Emergency!’ left an indelible mark on 1970s television. Here’s an update on the surviving original cast members:
Kevin Tighe (Roy DeSoto):
Kevin Tighe portrayed one of the main paramedics, Roy DeSoto. Following the show’s end, Tighe continued his acting career and appeared in notable TV series such as ‘Lost,’ ‘Murder One,’ and ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.’
Randolph Mantooth (John Gage):
Randolph Mantooth played the other leading paramedic, John Gage. After ‘Emergency!,’ Mantooth pursued various supporting roles and found success in soap operas during the 1990s and 2000s. He has also remained active in the theater industry.
Robert Fuller (Dr. Brackett):
Known for his roles in Western programs, Robert Fuller initially hesitated to take on the role of Dr. Brackett. However, he eventually accepted the role and became an integral part of ‘Emergency!’ Since retiring from acting, Fuller spends his time on his ranch.
Ron Pinkard (Dr. Mike Morton):
Ron Pinkard portrayed a young medical intern on the show. He also appeared in other series by the same creators, such as ‘Adam-12’ and ‘Dragnet.’ After ‘Emergency!,’ Pinkard continued acting until the 1990s and later retired as a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Other ‘Emergency!’ Cast Members
While many of the main cast members are still alive, some have unfortunately passed away. Bobby Troup, who played Dr. Joe Early and helped produce Julie London’s hit song “Cry Me a River,” died in 1999.
Julie London, best known for her singing career, played nurse Dixie McCall on ‘Emergency!’ London, who was married to Bobby Troup, passed away in 2000 from complications of lung cancer.
The series made a significant impact on television by shedding light on the heroic work of paramedics and firefighters. While some original cast members of the show are no longer with us, several continue to thrive in their respective careers.
Kevin Tighe, Randolph Mantooth, Robert Fuller, and Ron Pinkard have left an enduring legacy through their performances and contributions to ‘Emergency!’ The show remains a cherished part of TV history, remembered for its portrayal of the dedicated individuals who save lives in times of crisis.
