Credited as Chip Johnson during the 1980s, Harry Johnson has been under contract in dozens of television movies for four decades
Harry Johnson died at the age of 81.
The actor died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a “long illness,” his wife Christiane confirmed to Deadline.
Johnson’s prolific career in Hollywood spanned four decades, with appearances in Dynasty, Quincey JA., Days of our lives, MASH, Melrose Place, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and more. For many appearances in his early career – through the 1980s – Johnson was credited as “Chip Johnson”.
The actor was best known for his role as the First Warrior in Battlestar Galactica film released in 1978. He later reprized the role for an episode of the television series of the same name. Johnson also played another role in the series – the 3rd Pilot – for an additional episode.
Tribute to celebrities who died in 2023
Johnson played two roles Law and order, the same. He also appeared as Lawrence Hodge and Brewer in the long-running crime drama between 1992 and 1993.
In the 2000s, Johnson moved away from Hollywood after his last appearance on Heartland. Some of his other late-career projects included appearances on A cold case, Judging Amy and voicing the primary officer in the video game Need for Speed: Carbonwhich was published in 2006.
Although Johnson was a contract actor for Universal Studios and appeared frequently on screen, he was also successful as an ADR voiceover artist and audio professional for film and television.
Johnson’s most recent voice work was featured in the 2018 Netflix hit film Bird box.
Some Johnson fans may also recognize him from the now-iconic “Harry & Louise” TV and radio commercials that ran in the 1990s as the Health Insurance Association of America tried to put more control over insurance in the hands of Americans than then-President Bill Clinton’s care guidelines .
Johnson has also written five books under the pen name Harry Castle, according to Deadline.
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Along with Christiane, Johnson leaves behind two stepsons.
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