Actor John Aylward died on Monday, May 16th, at the age of 75. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Aylward was best known for playing surgeon Donald Anspaugh on ER and his recurring role on The West Wing as DNC chairman Barry Goodwin. He also had roles in American Horror Story, Mad Men, Major Crimes, Impastor, and Scorpion. He also did voice work as Dr. Arne Magnusson in Half-Life 2: Episode Two. His long-time agent Mitchell Stubbs said that Aylward died from natural causes after battling a long illness. Stubbs said, “John was a wonderful actor and a great friend to many. He was proud of his film and television work, although his life in the theater was where he was the happiest.”
Actor John Aylward: Known for ER and the Stage
Aylward was born on November 7th, 1946, in Seattle. According to USA Today, he graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in Drama in 1971. Alyward co-founded the Empty Space Theatre in 1971 and was a regular company member of the Seattle Repertory Theatre. His first television gig came in the 1976 telefilm The Secret Life of John Chapman. His big television break came playing Anspaugh on ER, a role he took on at the age of 50. Aylward played that role for 12 years until ER was canceled in 2008.
Aylward was most passionate about his theater work. His roles included Shakesperean roles, and he worked in plays by Alan Ayckbourn, David Mamet, Arthur Miller, and Tennessee Williams. Some of his most memorable stage roles included Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, Scrooge in Inspecting Carol, the title character in Richard III, and Shelley Levine in Glengarry Glen Ross.
2022 has been a year filled with the losses of many stars on the small screen, including Mike Hagerty and Estelle Harris. Now ER star John Aylward has been lost. The Nerd Stash offers best wishes to his family and friends.
