Related
Summary
TheIn the Heat of the NightTV show featured a prominent ensemble cast of characters , though sadly , as the yr have fail by there have been a issue of death in the mold . A tv set adaption of the 1967 movie starringSidney Poitier in a career - unspoiled performance , which itself is based on the 1965 book of the same name by John Ball , In the Heat of the Nightpremiered in 1988 on NBC and moved to CBS after season 5 , vent on the internet from time of year 6 until its final season 8 .
The show serves as a sequel to the 1967 movie and is set contemporaneously with when the show bare , in the late-1980s to early-1990s . Howard Rollins plays Poitier ’s character , Virgil Tibbs , and Carroll O’Connor co - sensation as William O. " Bill " Gillespie , his partner in Tibbs ' hometown of Sparta , Mississippi . Like the moving-picture show , this police procedural deals with idea of racialism , law brutality , and incompetency , and precede frustrations with small - township politics . The serial features an impressive cast , but over 30 decennium after the show ’s premiere , many cast members have passed away .
With the show over four ten sure-enough , it ’s worth looking at the Little House in the Prairie cast who have died in real living to examine their bequest .
Actor
fibre
Carroll O’Connor
William O. " Bill " Gillespie
Hugh O’Connor
Lonnie Jamison
Howard Rollins
Virgil Tibbs
Lois Nettleton
Custom Image by Zach Moser
Joanna St. John
Carl conditions
Hampton Forbes
Dan Biggers
Dr. Frank Robb
Chris Lobban
Bobby Johnson
Burgess Meredith
Judge Cully
Dennis Lipscomb
Jim Findlay
Margaret Blye
Chief Gillespie ’s lady friend
Ed Grady
Morris Maynor / Dr. Cameron / Jimmy Ray
Ted Manson
Sam Byrnes/ Mr. Halloran / Elmer / Farmer
Mel Stewart
Calvin Peterson
Fran Bennett
Bob Penny
Alvin P. Epp
Adair Simon
Emily Trundel
Stuart Culpepper
Judge Sims
Pat Hingle
Roy Eversole
Jon Wesley
Vic Glendon
Christopher Allport
Myron Dutton
Carroll O’Connor As William O. “Bill” Gillespie
Date Of Birth: August 2, 1924
Actor : Carroll O’Connor , who passed in June 21 , 2001 , at the age of 76 from a heart attack , was a prolific television histrion . Best known for playingArchie Bunker inAll in the Family , O’Connor won four Emmy Awards for his work as the Bunker patriarch . He also get ahead an Emmy for his depiction of Bill Gillespie . For those public presentation , he also earn five Golden Globe nominations each , winning once forAll in the Family . O’Connor ’s other notable purpose admit performances in movies likeKelly ’s Heroesas General Holt andPoint Blankas Brewster .
Notable Movies & TV show :
Title
Role
Kelly ’s Heroes ( 1970 )
General Holt
All in the Family ( 1971 - 1979 )
Archie Bunker
Mad About You ( 1996 - 1999 )
Gus Stemple
Character : Police Chief Bill Gillespie is the Colorado - Pb ofIn the Heat of the Nightanda knotty but honourable ship’s officer in Sparta . Chief Gillespie initially bristles against Tibbs , seeming adversarial like his character reference in the motion picture , but as the serial goes on , Bill derive to honour Tibbs and even sees him as a supporter and intimate .
In the Heat of the Nightwas nominate for only three Emmy Awards : Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Lois Nettleton in 1989 , Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Composition for a Series ( Dramatic Underscore ) for Nan Schwartz in 1992 , and O’Connor ’s .
Hugh O’Connor As Lonnie Jamison
Date Of Birth: April 7, 1962
Actor : Hugh O’Connor , the adopted son of Carroll O’Connor , had a troubled life which led to him only take two character in his calling . The first came in the 1984 TV movieBrasswhere he playact James Flynn , and the other was his star execution inIn the Heat of the Night .
Tragically , O’Connor die at the age of 32 on March 28 , 1995 , by way of felo-de-se . O’Connor ’s drug issues were well known at the time , stemming from an early fight with Hodgkin ’s lymphoma which give him dependent on prescription drug medicine ( viaThe New York Times ) .
Brass ( 1984 )
James Flynn
In the Heat of the Night ( 1988 - 1994 )
Character : Lonnie Jamison isa police officer who eventually wreak his direction up the social rank to Acting Chief of Detectiveson the Sparta police personnel . Jamison is a serious and professional officer who is convinced of the importance of his caper . He ’s fiercely firm to his friends and coworkers , and favorable and good-humored in general . Jamison ’s straightforward attitude belie a dry gumption of humor .
Howard Rollins As Virgil Tibbs
Date Of Birth: October 17, 1950
player : Howard Rollins had the difficult labor of replacing Sidney Poitier inIn the Heat of the Nightbut was up to the challenge , appearing in 121 episodes . Rollins also had notable television roles in the miniseriesKingas Andrew Young andWildsideas Bannister Sparks . He only had a smattering of film roles , buthis performance inRagtimeas Coalhouse Walker Jr. earned him support Actor nominations from the Academy Awards and Golden Globes .
Sadly , Rollins contend with drug addiction for much of his animation and he was fire fromIn the Heat of the Nightafter season 6 for payoff resulting from his dependency ( viaThe New York Times ) . He ended up passing off on December 8 , 1996 , at the age of 46 due to care , stemming from drug function ( via theReading Eagle ) .
King ( 1978 )
Andrew Young
Ragtime ( 1981 )
Coalhouse Walker Jr.
Wildside ( 1985 )
Bannister Sparks
Character : Virgil Tibbs is the star ofIn the Heat of the Night , andreturns from Philadelphia to be a captain in the Sparta police force force . Tibbs is a moment snobbish when it hail to Sparta , often criticizing the constabulary section for its lack of technological savvy and modern cerebration . Despite this , he is an expert investigator and a big friend of the township . Due to Rollins ' effectual troubles , Tibbs was written off the show , said to have left Sparta to practice law .
Lois Nettleton As Joanna St. John
Date Of Birth: August 16, 1927
Actor : Lois Nettleton passed away on January 18 , 2008 , at the age of 80 from a brain tumor . She was voiceless at work work right up until that point . A fertile television receiver , movie , and even voice actor , Nettleton appeared in legion productions . On TV , she bet Christina Stockwood inAll That Glitters , Maude Wendell inCentennial , and Sue Kramer inAccidental Family . Her film public presentation include Belle Morgan inButterflyand Hilda ' Bergie ' Bergstrom inCome Fly with Me .
Nettleton gain two Emmys , one for her performance as Susan B. Anthony in the television set filmThe American Woman : Profiles in Courageand another for bring Mandy in an episode ofInsight , " A Gun for Mandy " . She also notably voiced Athena inHerc ’s Adventuresand Maleficent inHouse of MouseandMickey ’s House of Villains .
Come Fly with Me ( 1963 )
Hilda ' Bergie ' Bergstrom
The American Woman : profile in Courage ( 1976 )
Susan B. Anthony
All That Glitters ( 1977 )
Christina Stockwood
quality : Joanna St. John was a go back character in time of year 2 ofIn the Heat of the Night . She wasthe possessor of the Magnolia Cafe and a abbreviated love interestingness for Chief Gillespie . At the end of time of year 2 , it ’s reveal that Joanna was formerly a sex activity worker , causing Gillespie to give away up with her and for Joanna to will townsfolk out of shame . It ’s an'80s TV mo that did n’t age very well .
Carl Weathers As Hampton Forbes
Date Of Birth: January 14, 1948
Actor : Actor , NFL linebacker , and music director , Carl Weathers had a foresighted and successful vocation before he passed away on February 2 , 2024 , at the years of 76 from coronary artery disease . weather was only ever nominated for one major honor in his career , the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Greef Karga inThe Mandalorian , butCarl conditions ' movie and TV careeris much more of import than any award could determine .
In film , he played Apollo Creed in theRockyfranchise , Colonel Al Dillon inPredator , Chubbs inHappy Gilmore , and voice Combat Carl inToy Story 4 . On television , weather condition asterisk as Adam Beaudreaux inStreet Justice , State ’s Attorney Mark Jefferies inChicago JusticeandChicago P.D. , and Beau inColony .
Rocky Franchise ( 1976 - 1985 )
Apollo Creed
Predator ( 1987 )
Colonel Al Dillon
The Mandalorian ( 2019 - 2023 )
Greef Karga
role : Hampton Forbes arrived onIn the Heat of the Nightin season 7 asthe replacement for Howard Rollins . Forbes was lease by the Sparta metropolis council after the controversial demotion of Chief Gillespie , making Forbes the first smuggled boss of the department . A retired police force chief from Memphis , Tennesse , Forbes immediately becomes friends with Gillespie , ensuring both detective lick on protecting the town .
In The Heat Of The Night Supporting Cast & Characters Who Have Passed Away
Some Notable Actors Appeared In Minor Roles In In The Heat Of The Night
Burgess Meredith as Judge Cully : Burgess Meredith appeared inthree episodes ofIn the Heat of the Nightas Judge Cully . Meredith is best known for playing one ofthe earliest live - actionBatmanvillains , the Penguin , but he was also doubly nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscars for his performances inRockyas Mickey andThe Day of the Locustas Harry Greener . Meredith go away on September 9 , 1997 , at the eld of 89 due to complications with Alzheimer ’s disease .
Dan Biggers as Dr. Frank Robb : Dr. Frank Robb is the county coroner in Spartaand so oftentimes appears in later seasons when body are being investigate . Robb is played by Dan Biggers , who cash in one’s chips away on December 5 , 2011 , at historic period 80 . Biggers ' telecasting course credit let in Senator Harling inSavannahand Judge Byrnes inI’ll Fly out . His moving picture performances include play Uncle Roy inElizabethtownand Harry Cram inMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .
Dennis Lipscomb as Jim Findlay : Dennis Lipscomb , who died on July 30 , 2014 , at the age of 72 , play Jim Findlay in a handful of instalment . Jim is the city manager of Sparta . Lipscomb appeared in goggle box show likeDr . Quinn , Medicine Womanas President Ulysses S. Grant , andCop Rockas Sidney Weitz . His film roles let in Raymond Hammer inAutomaticand Trenton inUnder Siege .
Margaret Blye as Chief Gillespie ’s Girlfriend : Known only as Chief Gillespie ’s Girlfriend , Margaret Blye appear in four instalment ofIn the Heat of the Night . She also appeared in telecasting shows likeKodiakas Maggie Farrow and movies likeThe Italian Jobas Lorna . Blye died on March 24 , 2016 , at years 73 .
Ed Grady as Morris Maynor / Dr. Cameron / Jimmy Ray : Ed Gradyplays multiple role inIn the Heat of the Night . Grady overhaul away on December 10 , 2012 , at age 89 . His notable television performances include Gramps inDawson ’s Creekand multiple characters inMatlock . Grady ’s movie performance include Harry inThe Notebookand Dr. Melinik inLolita .
Ted Manson as Sam Byrnes/ Mr. Halloran / Elmer / Farmer : Ted Manson , who plays multiple characters in the serial publication , passed away on June 1 , 2008 , from lung cancer . He had a few humble theatrical role throughout his career in TV shows likeMatlockandFoxworthy ’s Big Night Out . Most audiences will spot him for his picture performance , including Chip inTalladega Nights : The Ballad of Ricky Bobby , Mr. Daws inThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button , and Colonel Murphy inSweet Home Alabama .
Mel Stewart as Calvin Peterson : Mel Stewart roleplay Calvin Peterson inIn the Heat of the Nightand the prolific film and television actor pass away on February 24 , 2002 , at 72 from Alzheimer ’s disease . Stewart is best known for playing Henry Jefferson inAll in the Family , Billy Melrose inScarecrow and Mrs. King , and Raymond Simmons inOne in a Million . His film deferred payment include Dr. Graves inBride of Re - Animatorand Fowler inCry Uncle !
Fran Bennett as Ruda Gibson : Fran Bennett died on September 12 , 2021 , at the historic period of 84 , andplayed Virgil ’s maternal aunt , Ruda Gibson. Other television performances include Head Nurse Lenore Ritt inNightingalesand Chief Harris inSunset Beach . Her flick recognition include Ruth inThe Manorand Dr. Christine Heffner inthe meta - horrorWes Craven ’s New Nightmare .
Bob Penny as Alvin P. Epp : Alvin P. Epp is a corrupt realtor and lawyer with tie to the mob , and he ’s played by Bob Penny , who die on December 25 , 2022 , at years 87 . Penny appear in movies likeMississippi Burningas Curtis Foy andSweet Home Alabamaas Wallace Buford . His other video credits include Harold inStill the King .
Adair Simon as Emily Trundel : Adair Simon playsEmily Trundel , wife of millionaire V.J. Trundel . Simon , who passed away on November 8 , 2018 , at 68 , only had a few roles to her name , including lowly TV performances inI’ll Fly AwayandFinal Witness .
Stuart Culpepper as Judge Sims / Judge Colter : Stuart Culpepper , who croak away on June 12 , 2022 , at the years of 84,appeared in ten episode ofIn the Heat of the Nightas Judge Sims and Judge Colter . Culpepper vocalise Stan in the TV showFrisky Dingoand run Ray Towner in the filmNorma Rae .
Pat Hingle as Roy Eversole : Roy Eversole is the hot - temper tone - father of Parker Williams , and he ’s played by Pat Hingle , who died on January 3 , 2009 , at geezerhood 84 due to myelodysplasia . On television , Hingle played Horace Ford inThe Twilight Zoneepisode " The Incredible World of Horace Ford " and Dr. John Chapman inGunsmoke . Hingle ’s far-famed moving-picture show roles include Mr. Dennit Sr . inTalladega Nights : The Ballad of Ricky Bobbyand Commissioner Jim Gordon in the Tim Burton and Joel SchumacherBatmanfilms .
John Wesley as Vic Glendon : John Wesley act Vic Glendon , Harriet DeLong ’s ex - married man and Eugene ’s founding father . Wesley passed away on September 7 , 2019 , at the geezerhood of 72 due to complications arising from multiple myeloma . Wesley played Al Smith in Oliver Stone’sWorld Trade Centerand Tony inStop ! Or My mummy Will Shoot . On TV , he voice Principal Pratchett inSuperhuman Samurai Syber - Squadand Mr. Jim inMartin .
Christopher Allport as Myron Dutton : Christopher Allport plays District Attorney Myron Dutton in a few episodes ofIn the Heat of the Night . The worker pass aside on January 25 , 2008 , at age 60 , and was tragically killed by an avalanche in the San Gabriel Mountains along with two other men ( viaFox News ) . Allport meet Sam Tiler in theJack Frostfranchise , Max Waxman inTo Live and snuff it in L.A. , and Nicky inSavage Weekend .
Watch on Fubo
