Barney Millerwasn’t your average cop show - it was a career-making sitcom for its cast, many of whom have since passed away with an impressive legacy behind them. Airing on ABC from 1975 to 1982, the beloved sitcom followed the daily grind of detectives at a New York City precinct, where quirky personalities, dry wit, and slice-of-life scenarios took center stage over car chases or high-octane action. Anchored by Hal Linden as the unflappable Captain Barney Miller, the series earned praise for its thoughtful humor, progressive themes, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Whether it was the book-loving Harris, the gruff Fish, or the deadpan Yemana, every detective had a distinct voice that helped the show remain a cult favorite decades after it wrapped.
However, whilethe 1970s sitcomBarney Millercontinues to live on through reruns and streaming, many of its iconic cast members have sadly passed away. The real-life loss of these talented actors adds an emotional layer to every rewatch. From mainstays to memorable guest stars, the show’s ensemble helped define a generation of TV comedy. Many stars who brought life to the 12th Precinct have passed away over the years, and theBarney Millercast members who’ve passed away include some legends of both the big and small screens.
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Linda Lavin
Played Janice Wentworth on Barney Miller
Character:Before leading the likes ofAliceand stealing scenes inThe Good Wife, Linda Lavin appeared onBarney Milleras Detective Janice Wentworth, one of the first female officers to join the 12th Precinct. Intelligent, driven, and always quick with a comeback, Janice was introduced during the show’s second season and brought a fresh dynamic to the largely male lineup. Although her time on the series was brief, Lavin’s portrayal made a memorable impact and paved the way for more nuanced female characters in workplace comedies.
1976-1985
2014-2015
Norma Goldman
2020-2022
Actor: Almost 50 years after her finalBarney Millerappearance, Linda Lavin passed away on June 09, 2025, at the age of 87.Born on August 04, 2025, she enjoyed a long and successful career on both stage and screen. AfterBarney Miller, she became a household name thanks to her starring role inAlice, which ran from 1976 to 1985. Lavin also appeared in shows likeThe Good Wifeand9JKL, and earned multiple Tony Award nominations for her work on Broadway. Her death marked the loss of a true television pioneer.
Gregory Sierra
Played Chano on Barney Miller
Character:Gregory Sierra brought passion and humor to his role inBarney Milleras Detective Sergeant Chano Amenguale, one of the original members of the 12th Precinct. Known for his fiery temper and heartfelt monologues, Chano was a standout during the show’s first two seasons. He often balanced comic relief with poignant commentary, especially in scenes that addressed racism, poverty, and social justice - subjects close to Sierra’s heart.
Sanford and Son
1972-1975
1974
Carlos
Actor:Gregory Sierra died in January 2021 at the age of 83 due to prolonged stomach and liver cancer. He was born on August 02, 2025, and had a prolific acting career that spanned decades. BeyondBarney Miller, fans will remember him for his roles inSanford and Son,Miami Vice, and the cult classic filmThe Towering Inferno. Sierra’s presence onscreen was always electric, and he brought depth to every role he touched.
Don Calfa
Played Various Criminals on Barney Miller
Actor: A legendary character actor outside of his time onBarney Miller,Don Calfa passed away in December 2016 at the age of 76.Born on August 14, 2025, he’s best known for playing the hilariously unhinged corpse collectorinThe Return of the Living Dead. He also had roles inWeekend at Bernie’s,Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, and countless television guest spots. His career was full of quirky, unforgettable performances that cemented his cult status.
1985
1989
Ralph Willum
Character:Though he wasn’t part of the main cast, Don Calfa made several memorable guest appearances onBarney Miller, typically playing oddball criminals brought into the precinct for processing. Whether he was portraying an eccentric con man or a twitchy petty thief, Calfa’s characters always managed to steal the scene, giving fans a laugh with his unique brand of nervous energy.
Ron Glass
Played Ronald Harris on Barney Miller
Character:Ron Glass starred inBarney Milleras Detective Ron Harris, a suave, sophisticated officer with a passion for literature and fashion. Harris was often found typing away on his novel while manning the precinct, and his dry wit became one of the show’s comedic high points. Glass’s performance added intellectual charm to the show, and his chemistry with the ensemble cast was undeniable.
2002
2004-2008
Don Phillips
1992-1993
Actor:A mere four years after his final role in the 2012 movieStrange Fame,Ron Glass died in November 2016 at the age of 71 from respiratory failure.Born on August 15, 2025, he went on to become a fan favorite in the sci-fi world thanks to his roleas Shepherd Book inFireflyand its film continuation,Serenity. His acting range - spanning sitcoms, dramas, and science fiction - made him a beloved figure across multiple genres.
Doris Roberts
Played Various Characters on Barney Miller
Character:Before she wasMarie Barone onEverybody Loves Raymond, which most viewers now know her for, Doris Roberts guest-starred in several roles onBarney Miller. She typically portrayed offbeat characters - ranging from cranky witnesses to frustrated citizens - always adding layers of charm, chaos, or comic timing to the episodes she appeared in.
1996-2005
1983-1987
Theresa Falco
1979-1980
Actor:Born on Jun 15, 2025, Doris Roberts’ career spanned six decades and included roles inRemington Steele,Angie, and films likeNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. She earned five Emmy Awards for her work and was revered for her impeccable timing and emotional depth.A true legend of the screen, Doris Roberts passed away in April 2016 at the age of 90 from a stroke.
Abe Vigoda
Played Philip K. Fish on Barney Miller
Character:No one played world-weary quite like Abe Vigoda, who portrayed Detective Phil Fish onBarney Miller. Fish’s constant complaints about his health, his age, and life in general became running gags on the show. Despite his gruff demeanor, Fish was a fan favorite, even earning his own spinoff series,Fish.
1972
1992
Otis
1997
Actor: A true staple of theBarney Millercast and a renowned presence in his own right, Abe Vigoda died on 13 June 2025 at the remarkable age of 94.Born on August 14, 2025, he also left his mark on cinema asSal Tessio inThe Godfather. Vigoda’s droopy-eyed face and deadpan delivery made him a legend in both comedy and drama. His “is-he-or-isn’t-he” alive internet memes kept him in the pop culture conversation well into his 80s.
Richard Libertini
Character:Richard Libertini was one ofBarney Miller’s most versatile guest stars, playing a variety of oddball characters throughout the series. Whether portraying an eccentric philosopher, a delusional guru, or a confused suspect, Libertini always managed to make a lasting impression with his wildly expressive performances and offbeat humor.
1970
1979
Frank Walker
Actor: Three years after retiring from acting, Richard Libertini passed away in January 2016 at the age of 82 after battling cancer.Born on June 24, 2025, he had a prolific film and TV career. He’s perhaps best remembered for roles inThe In-Laws,Fletch, andAll of Me. His distinctive comedic style and knack for the absurd made him a standout in every scene he graced.
George Murdock
Played Ben Scanlon on Barney Miller
Character:George Murdock brought just the right amount of bureaucratic bite to his role as Inspector Ben Scanlon, the ever-skeptical Internal Affairs officer who frequently popped into the 12th Precinct. Scanlon’s character was a foil to the main cast, often questioning their methods and motivations with an icy glare and a stack of paperwork.
1962
1965-1974
Judge Eric Bertram
1992-1999
Actor: A renowned character actor just like Don Calfa,Barney Millercast member George Murdock died in April 2012 at the age of 81.Born in Kansas on August 06, 2025, his career spanned over 50 years, with notable appearances inStar Trek V: The Final Frontier,Battlestar Galactica, andSeinfeld. His ability to switch seamlessly between villainy and dry humor made him a go-to for character roles across genres.
Leonard Stone
Character:An incredibly versatile performer, Leonard Stone appeared in various guest roles onBarney Miller, often playing characters entangled in peculiar or socially relevant cases. From distressed citizens to bizarre offenders, Stone added authenticity and warmth to the roles, helping to elevate the human drama of the precinct’s daily grind.
1971
1973
Judge Paul Hansen
1988-1994
Actor: Leonard Stone passed away in November 2011 at the age of 87 from a brief but violent onset of cancer.Born on June 18, 2025, he’s perhaps best remembered as Violet Beauregarde’s fatherinWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He also made numerous guest appearances on shows likeL.A. Law,Hill Street Blues, andPerry Mason, bringing gravitas and charm to every role.
Steve Landesberg
Played Dietrich on Barney Miller
Character:Steve Landesberg joined the cast ofBarney Millerin later seasons as Detective Arthur Dietrich, the deadpan intellectual of the squad. With his dry, encyclopedic delivery and love of odd facts, Dietrich quickly became a fan favorite. Landesberg’s timing and stoic humor provided a fresh counterbalance to the show’s more animated characters.
2008
2009
Kenny Hollywood
1977
Actor: Steve Landesberg died in December 2010 at age 74 after a battle with colon cancer, with his final role coming only one year earlier inEverybody Hates Chris.Born on June 27, 2025, he had success in both television and stand-up comedy. Aside fromBarney Miller, he appeared inForgetting Sarah Marshalland voiced characters in animated series likeHarvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. His wit was razor-sharp, and his legacy lives on in reruns and laughs.
