Warren Frost, character actor famous for playing Dr Will Hayward on 'Twin Peaks,' dies at 91

  • Warren Frost passed away at his home in Middlebury, Vermont Friday 
  • The 91-year-old character actor battled an undisclosed illness
  • He recently reprised his 'Twin Peaks' role for an upcoming Showtime sequel

By Associated Press

Published: 22:03 EST, 17 February 2017 | Updated: 01:04 EST, 18 February 2017

Warren Frost (pictured as Dr Will Hayward is 1989) died at his home Friday at 91

Warren Frost (pictured as Dr Will Hayward is 1989) died at his home Friday at 91

Warren Frost, the actor who played Dr Will Hayward on 'Twin Peaks' and appeared in dozens of iconic TV shows including 'Matlock' and 'Seinfeld,' has died at 91.

Frost passed away Friday at his home in Middlebury, Vermont, after a lengthy illness, according to a statement from his son, 'Twin Peaks' co-creator Mark Frost. The nature of the illness was not disclosed.

He 'taught us that a life devoted to telling the right kind of truths can make a real difference in the lives of others,' Mark Frost said in the statement released by the Showtime channel.

Warren Frost reprised his 'Twin Peaks' role for an upcoming Showtime sequel to the 1990-91 cult drama.

The New England native served in the Navy in World War II and was aboard a ship that took part in the 1944 Allied D-Day invasion, according to a biography.

Before Frost (second from right) starred on TV, he served in the Navy in World War II

Before Frost (second from right) starred on TV, he served in the Navy in World War II

He went on to attend Middlebury College in Vermont, where he met his future wife, Virginia Calhoun, and then began his TV career in New York with jobs that included stage manager for early shows.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1958, Frost worked steadily on TV series including 'Dragnet' and appeared in movies such as 'The Mating Game' and 'It Started with a Kiss.'

He went on to earn a master's degree from Occidental College in California and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota, where he was part of the theater department faculty for 20 years and acted regularly in local productions.

In addition to his role on 'Twin Peaks,' Frost (left) had a role as Billy on lawyer drama 'Matlock'

In addition to his role on 'Twin Peaks,' Frost (left) had a role as Billy on lawyer drama 'Matlock'

Frost had a recurring role on 'Seinfield.' He passed away on Friday from an undisclosed illness

Frost had a recurring role on 'Seinfield.' He passed away on Friday from an undisclosed illness

Renewing his screen career in Los Angeles in the 1990s, he appeared in 'Seinfeld' as Mr Ross, the father to George Costanza's ill-fated fiancee Susan, and played pal Billy to 'Matlock' star Andy Griffith's character.

Frost retired to Middlebury in 2000 but returned to work to appear in the new 'Twin Peaks,' set to debut in May.

Frost's survivors, besides wife Virginia and son Mark, include son Scott, a novelist and photographer, daughter Lindsay, an artist, and three grandchildren.

On Friday his son Mark tweeted: 'Dear Twitter friends: Sharing sad news with you today. Thanks for all your good thoughts and sympathies.'

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