Morgan Stevens (October 16, 1951 – January 26, 2022) was an American actor, primarily seen on television.[1]

Morgan Stevens
Born(1951-10-16)October 16, 1951
DiedJanuary 26, 2022 (aged 70)
Occupation
Years active1970–1999
Known for

Biography

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Stevens played Paul Northridge in one episode of The Waltons and in three reunion movies.[1] In A Wedding on Walton's Mountain, the character of Northridge married Erin Walton (Mary Elizabeth McDonough), and he appeared in Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain and A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain. He was Sam Stadder (John-Boy's hospital roommate) in the Waiting episode S8 Ep 9.

Stevens portrayed teacher David Reardon in two seasons of Fame (1982–1984).[2] He then played Jack Gardner in the miniseries and subsequent series A Year in the Life (1986–1988). In 1995, he appeared in seven episodes of Melrose Place as Nick Diamond.[3]

Stevens made guest appearances on several television programs, including One Day at a Time, Murder One, and Murder, She Wrote (in three episodes as three characters).[3] His last role was as Principal Max Henson in a 1999 episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.[4]

In 1989, his career was halted for a few years when Stevens was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a mild car accident (a blood test later cleared him), and he was severely beaten by the LAPD police while in custody. Stevens claimed that after 90 minutes of waiting in a jail cell, he refused to hand back the shirt that was given, which is when two jailers kicked and beat him over two dozen times. Stevens suffered a dislocated jaw, a fractured cheek and nerve damage. He later sued and an out-of-court settlement was reached with his lawyers stating that the LAPD was unwilling to risk the publicity of a trial in the wake of the Rodney King case.

Death

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On January 26, 2022, Stevens was found dead at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 70. Police were there to perform a wellness check after friends reported that they had not heard from him in several days.[5] The coroner later ruled he died of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.[4] Morgan was cremated, the ashes was scattered at sea.

References

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  1. ^ a b Russell, Ron (June 27, 1991). "City, Actor Settle Suit Over Alleged Jail Beating: Police: Morgan Stevens contends he was attacked by authorities after a traffic accident. His lawyers say the LAPD was unwilling to risk the publicity of a trial in the wake of the Rodney King case". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  2. ^ Anderson, Kay (1983). "Meet Fame's New Teacher". Official Fame Magazine. Retrieved February 22, 2020 – via Fame Forever.
  3. ^ a b "Morgan Stevens". TV Guide. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Goldstein, Joelle (February 3, 2022). "Melrose Place and Fame Actor Morgan Stevens' Cause of Death Revealed". People. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  5. ^ "'Melrose Place' Actor Morgan Stevens Dead at 70". TMZ. January 26, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
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