Gregory Itzin, an actor best known for playing President Charles Logan on the Fox drama series “24” and agent Virgil Minelli on “The Mentalist,” passed away on Friday, July 8, at the age of 74, as a result of complications from an emergency procedure. Lisa Gallant, Itzin’s agent, confirmed his demise. Itzin had a “severe heart attack” in 2015 while performing Shakespeare, but, according to Gallant, he “came back only to continue to thrive in theatre, film, and TV.” Netizens are saddened to learn about his death and are paying him tributes on social media.
“It is impossible to put into words the life of a man lived to the fullest,” wrote Itzin’s son Wilke Itizin in a social media homage to his father. The author claimed, in part, “My dad was known over the world as a fantastic actor with a body of work that would beat most famous actors’ portfolios.” He has been in a wide range of shows, including Friends, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Mork and Mindy, and of course 24’s infamous president.
The executive producer of “24,” Jon Cassar, also paid respect to Itzin. He revealed, “My friend Greg Itzin passed away today. In addition to being one of the most gifted performers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, he was also a really nice guy. His 24 family members, who had nothing but love and respect for him, would miss him, the man continued. “You left your mark, now, friend, rest in peace.”
Alen Spencer, the screenwriter, and producer, wrote that he is truly saddened to learn of the passing of the actor. Armin Shimerman, actor and author also wrote that one of his closest friends and one of the finest actors he knows passed away. Talking about Itzin, he was raised in Wisconsin after being born in Washington, DC, and he later attended the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.
In the 1979 miniseries Backstairs at the White House, he had his on-screen debut (uncredited), and in the 1980 film Airplane!, he had a brief cameo as “Religious Zealot #1,” giving a flower to Julie Hagerty’s flight attendant as she passes by in the terminal. Among Itzin’s many television credits are “Charlie’s Angels,” “Party of Five,” and “Big Love.” He also worked on three Star Trek series: “Deep Space Nine,” “Voyager,” and “Enterprise” for mega-producer Steven Bochco, as well as “Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law,” “Murder One,” and “NYPD Blue.”
