Actor Gregory Itzin died July 8 as a result of complications from surgery at the age of 74.
In 2015 Itzin suffered a “major heart attack” but later returned to perform on stage and screen.
While he may be best known for his role as President Charles Logan on the television series “24”, he often played authority figures from politicians to military leaders.
He only appeared in two productions on. Broadway – “Enron” and “The Kentucky Cycle” but also performed in other productions including the one man show “Shipwrecked”.
He was born on April 20, 1948 in Washington, D.C. but was raised in Burlington, Wisconsin where his father became the mayor. While best known for his screen roles, Itzin had a love of the stage where his performances earned him theatrical nominations. He also lent his voice to radio plays.
Itzin made his screen debut in 1979 in an uncredited role in the very episode of “White House Tour Guide”. His first credited role came that very same year in the Mini Series “Backstairs at the White House”. From there he went on to appear in nearly 200 productions including a religious zealot in “Airplane”, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, “The Ides of March”, and “Lincoln”.
On the small screen Itzin’s appearances include an episode of the original “MacGyver”, the Principal in an episode of “21 Jump Street”, “The Nut House”, “Matlock”, “Quantum Leap”, “Something Wilder”, “Murder One”, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, “Star Trek: Voyager”, “Strip Mall”, “The Practice”, “24”, “Covert Affairs”, “NCIS”, and “Star Trek: Enterprise”.
Itzen is survived by his wife of 43 years Judie, children Wilke and Julia, grandson Wylder, sister Pamela, nieces and nephews.
feature photo credit: Gregory-itzin.jpg