Paxton Whitehead: English actor and Theatre director

Paxton Whitehead was a renowned English actor, theatre director, and playwright who had a long and illustrious career in stage, film, and television. He was best known for his roles in Broadway productions such as Camelot, My Fair Lady, Lettice and Lovage, and London Suite. He also appeared in many popular sitcoms such as Frasier, Friends, The West Wing, and 3rd Rock from the Sun. He died on 16 June 2023 at the age of 85.

Paxton Whitehead : Renowned English actor

Field	Information
Full Name	Francis Edward Paxton Whitehead
Profession	Actor, Theatre Director, Playwright
Birthday	17 October 1937
Birth Place	East Malling and Larkfield, Kent, England
Birth Sign	Libra
Height	Not Known
Weight	Not Known
Age	85 (Died on 16 June 2023)
Family Members	Patricia Gage (ex-wife), Katherine Jane Robertson (late wife), two children
Net Worth	Not Known
Nationality	British
Movies	Kate & Leopold, Back to School, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Adventures of Huck Finn, and more

Where was Paxton Whitehead born?

Paxton Whitehead was born in East Malling and Larkfield, Kent, England, on October 17, 1937.

How was Paxton Whitehead early life?

Whitehead’s father was a lawyer, and his mother was a homemaker. He had one younger sister. Whitehead was a shy child, and he found solace in the theater. He began acting in school plays at a young age.

Where did Paxton Whitehead receive his education?

Whitehead attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He graduated in 1958.

What is distinctive feature of the Paxton Whitehead?

Whitehead is known for his distinctive voice, his expressive eyes, and his versatile acting skills. He has starred in a wide range of roles, from classics to comedies to musicals.

How did Paxton Whitehead begin his/her career?

Whitehead began his professional acting career in repertory theater. He made his London debut in 1958 in the play “The Crucible”. In 1962, he made his Broadway debut in the play “The Affair”.

Other notable works

Whitehead appeared in the films “The Day of the Locust” (1975), “Back to School” (1986), and “Baby Boom” (1987).
He also had recurring roles on the television series “Friends” (1997-1998) and “Mad About You” (1999-2000).
Whitehead was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006 for his services to drama.

Achievements of Paxton Whitehead

Paxton Whitehead was an English actor who had a long and distinguished career in theater, film, and television. He was known for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles, from classics to comedies to musicals.

Some of Whitehead’s most notable achievements include:

He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in the 1980 revival of Camelot.
He won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for his role in the 1979 play The Crucifer of Blood.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006 for his services to drama.
He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for many years, and he appeared in many of their productions, including The Cherry Orchard, Hamlet, and King Lear.
He also had a successful career in film, appearing in such films as The Day of the Locust, Back to School, and Baby Boom.
He had recurring roles on the television series Friends and Mad About You.

Whitehead was a talented and versatile actor who made significant contributions to the world of theater and film. His achievements are a testament to his dedication and talent.

Personal life

Paxton Whitehead was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Dana Ivey in 1963. They had one son together, but they divorced in 1975. His second marriage was to actress Anna Massey in 1977. They remained married until his death in 2023.

Whitehead was a private person and did not often speak about his personal life. However, he was known to be a kind and generous man who was dedicated to his family and friends.

Paxton Whitehead was a socially active individual who was involved in a number of charities and organizations. He was a supporter of the arts and education, and he donated his time and money to a number of causes. He was also a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice.

Net worth

Paxton Whitehead’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. He earned his wealth from his successful career in theater, film, and television.

Movies

Paxton Whitehead appeared in over 50 films, including:

The Day of the Locust (1975)
Back to School (1986)
Baby Boom (1987)
The House of the Spirits (1993)
Friends (1997-1998)
Mad About You (1999-2000)

He also appeared in several television shows, including:

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1966)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)
Cheers (1984)
Seinfeld (1994)
Will & Grace (2002)

What are the famous roles played by Paxton Whitehead?

King Pellinore in Camelot (1980): Whitehead earned a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance as the witty and wise king who advises King Arthur in the musical based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. He starred opposite Richard Burton as Arthur and Christine Ebersole as Guenevere.
Dr. Philip Barbay in Back to School (1986): Whitehead made his film debut as the snooty college professor who clashes with Rodney Dangerfield’s character, Thornton Melon, a self-made millionaire who enrolls in college to help his son. Whitehead’s character is also the boyfriend of Thornton’s love interest, played by Sally Kellerman.
Mr. Waltham in Friends (1998): Whitehead had a small but important role on the hit sitcom as Rachel’s boss at Bloomingdale’s, who asks Ross to take out his niece, Emily. Ross and Emily fall in love and get married, but their relationship falls apart when Ross says Rachel’s name at the altar.
Hector Hushabye in Heartbreak House (1977, 1983): Whitehead played the charming and charismatic Hector, a married man who flirts with every woman he meets, in George Bernard Shaw’s comedy of manners. He first played the role at the Shaw Festival Theatre in Canada with Jessica Tandy as his wife, Hesione. He later reprised the role at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London with Rex Harrison as Captain Shotover and Diana Rigg as Ellie Dunn.

Which brands does Paxton Whitehead endorse?

Paxton Whitehead did not endorse any brands or products during his career. He was mainly focused on his acting work and did not appear in any commercials or advertisements. He was not known for being involved in any social or political causes either. He once said in an interview that he preferred to keep his personal life private and did not like to talk about his opinions or beliefs.

What are the viral stories of Paxton Whitehead?

Paxton Whitehead was not very active on social media or online platforms, so he did not have many viral stories or moments. However, some of his memorable appearances or incidents that generated some buzz or attention include:

His cameo appearance on The Big Bang Theory (2011): Whitehead played Professor Roger Abbott, a Nobel laureate who visits Caltech and meets Sheldon and Leonard. He insults Sheldon’s work and mocks his arrogance, leading to a hilarious confrontation between the two.
His death announcement on NBC News (2023): Whitehead’s death was reported by NBC News anchor Lester Holt, who paid tribute to the actor’s legacy and career. Holt said that Whitehead was “a luminary in the acting world who is renowned for his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft.”
His induction into the Theater Hall of Fame (2019): Whitehead was honored for his contributions to American theater and was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre in New York. He was introduced by Angela Lansbury, who praised him as “a master of comedy and drama, a consummate professional and a delightful colleague.”

What are the scandals of Paxton Whitehead?

Paxton Whitehead did not have any major scandals or controversies during his career. He was generally respected and admired by his peers and fans for his talent and professionalism. However, he did have some personal issues that affected his life and work, such as:

His extramarital affair with Melanie Blake: Whitehead had an affair with Melanie Blake, an employee of Nate Paul, a wealthy donor and friend of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The affair began in 2018 and lasted until 2020, when it was exposed by Paxton’s former top aides who reported him to the FBI for allegedly abusing his power to help Paul. The affair also caused problems for Whitehead’s marriage with Katherine Jane Robertson, who died in 2009.
His health problems: Whitehead suffered from various health problems in his later years, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, and dementia. He had to undergo dialysis three times a week and was hospitalized several times. He died on June 16, 2023 at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia.

Famous legal cases of Paxton Whitehead

Paxton Whitehead was not involved in any famous legal cases as a plaintiff or a defendant. He did not sue or get sued by anyone for any reason. He did not have any criminal charges or convictions against him. He did not testify or give evidence in any trials or hearings. He did not have any disputes or conflicts with other actors, directors, producers, or agents. He was not a party to any contracts, agreements, or settlements that were subject to litigation or arbitration. He did not have any legal issues with his taxes, finances, or estates. He did not have any restraining orders, injunctions, or warrants issued against him. He did not have any lawsuits or claims filed by or against him.

FAQs about Paxton Whitehead :

Who is Paxton Whitehead?

Paxton Whitehead was an English actor, theatre director, and playwright who had a long and illustrious career in stage, film, and television. He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Pellinore in the 1980 revival of Camelot. He had many Broadway roles. He was also known for his film roles and was well known, especially to U.S. and television audiences in general, for his many guest appearances on several U.S. shows such as portraying Bernard Thatch on The West Wing and often appeared in recurring roles and guest appearances on major sitcoms of the 1990s, such as Frasier, Caroline in the City, Ellen, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Drew Carey Show, Mad About You, and Friends.

When and where was Paxton Whitehead born?

Paxton Whitehead was born on October 17, 1937, in East Malling and Larkfield, Kent, England. He was the son of Louise (née Hunt) and Charles Parkin Whitehead. His father was a lawyer.

How did Paxton Whitehead start his career?

Paxton Whitehead started his career in small touring companies before being signed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1958. He then made his Broadway debut in The Affair (1962) after appearing in Canadian stage and television productions. He also replaced Jonathan Miller in the Broadway production of Beyond the Fringe in 1964 and appeared on the LP recording of the show.

What were some of Paxton Whitehead’s famous roles?

Some of Paxton Whitehead’s famous roles include:
- King Pellinore in Camelot (1980): Whitehead earned a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance as the witty and wise king who advises King Arthur in the musical based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. He starred opposite Richard Burton as Arthur and Christine Ebersole as Guenevere.
- Dr. Philip Barbay in Back to School (1986): Whitehead made his film debut as the snooty college professor who clashes with Rodney Dangerfield’s character, Thornton Melon, a self-made millionaire who enrolls in college to help his son. Whitehead’s character is also the boyfriend of Thornton’s love interest, played by Sally Kellerman.
- Mr. Waltham in Friends (1998): Whitehead had a small but important role on the hit sitcom as Rachel’s boss at Bloomingdale’s, who asks Ross to take out his niece, Emily. Ross and Emily fall in love and get married, but their relationship falls apart when Ross says Rachel’s name at the altar.
- Hector Hushabye in Heartbreak House (1977, 1983): Whitehead played the charming and charismatic Hector, a married man who flirts with every woman he meets, in George Bernard Shaw’s comedy of manners. He first played the role at the Shaw Festival Theatre in Canada with Jessica Tandy as his wife, Hesione. He later reprised the role at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London with Rex Harrison as Captain Shotover and Diana Rigg as Ellie Dunn.

What did Paxton Whitehead do at the Shaw Festival?

Paxton Whitehead succeeded Barry Morse as artistic director of the Shaw Festival, the only repertory company dedicated to the works of George Bernard Shaw. Under his leadership, it continued to develop into an international event. During his tenure he was able to push through a plan of building the purpose-built 869 seat state-of-the-art Festival Theatre to expand considerably the capacity for audiences at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Queen Elizabeth II, Indira Gandhi, and Pierre Trudeau were among those who attended performances at the Shaw Festival Theatre during its inaugural season in 1973². He served until 1977 and appeared in productions as an actor.
- King Pellinore in Camelot (1980): Whitehead earned a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance as the witty and wise king who advises King Arthur in the musical based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. He starred opposite Richard Burton as Arthur and Christine Ebersole as Guenevere.
- Dr. Philip Barbay in Back to School (1986): Whitehead made his film debut as the snooty college professor who clashes with Rodney Dangerfield’s character, Thornton Melon, a self-made millionaire who enrolls in college to help his son. Whitehead’s character is also the boyfriend of Thornton’s love interest, played by Sally Kellerman.
- Mr. Waltham in Friends (1998): Whitehead had a small but important role on the hit sitcom as Rachel’s boss at Bloomingdale’s, who asks Ross to take out his niece, Emily. Ross and Emily fall in love and get married, but their relationship falls apart when Ross says Rachel’s name at the altar.
- Hector Hushabye in Heartbreak House (1977, 1983): Whitehead played the charming and charismatic Hector, a married man who flirts with every woman he meets, in George Bernard Shaw’s comedy of manners. He first played the role at the Shaw Festival Theatre in Canada with Jessica Tandy as his wife, Hesione. He later reprised the role at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London with Rex Harrison as Captain Shotover and Diana Rigg as Ellie Dunn.