Randolph Mantooth, the actor who starred as firefighter-paramedic John Gage in the groundbreaking 1970s TV series “Emergency!,” has died at age 80 after a long illness, his family said Friday.
Mantooth’s portrayal and the NBC series, which aired for five seasons from January 1972 to May 1977, dramatically raised public awareness of paramedics and emergency medical services, inspiring generations to enter firefighting and EMS careers, his family said.
“The series helped introduce the public to paramedics and emergency medicine, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in EMS and firefighting,” the family said in a statement. “Its influence extended far beyond entertainment, contributing to greater recognition of emergency medical services throughout the country.”
The show followed the crew of Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 51 and included follow-up made-for-TV movies that aired until 1979.Los Angeles County Fire Department officials praised Mantooth as a lasting symbol of the department’s legacy.
“Randolph Mantooth was the face of the Los Angeles County Fire Department for an entire generation,” said Capt. Aaron Katon. “Talk to any fire buff of a certain age, and Johnny Gage riding Squad 51 is the stuff of legend.”
Mantooth was born Sept. 19, 1945, in Sacramento, California. He earned a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and later appeared in the 2003 off-Broadway production of Lanford Wilson’s “Rain Dance,” which also starred James Van Der Beek.