Tom Troupe, beloved actor from "Star Trek", "Cheers", and more, has died
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Hollywood quietly lost one of its most enduring talents this week.
Tom Troupe, the veteran actor known for his work in Cheers, Star Trek, and dozens of classic TV shows and stage productions, passed away peacefully at his Beverly Hills home on July 20.
He was 97.
Though he may not have been a household name, his performances left a lasting impression on generations of viewers.
From Broadway to primetime television, Troupe built a legacy rooted in dedication, versatility, and a deep love for storytelling.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Tom Troupe didn’t come from the glitzy world he would later inhabit.
His path to acting began with a love of storytelling and a deep desire to connect with people.
His breakthrough came in 1957 when he took the stage in the Broadway production of The Diary of Anne Frank.
That performance opened the door to a life in the arts, one that would stretch more than 60 years and influence countless viewers and fellow performers alike.
Troupe’s long and loving marriage to actress Carole Cook was a rare Hollywood love story.
Cook, best known for Sixteen Candles and her friendship with Lucille Ball, shared both life and work with Troupe for nearly six decades.
The two frequently appeared together onstage in productions like The Lion in Winter, Fathers Day, and The Gin Game.
Their relationship stood as a reminder that love and art can beautifully coexist.
Cook passed away in early 2023, just days before her 99th birthday.
If you watched TV in the latter half of the 20th century, you likely saw Tom Troupe.
With over 75 television appearances to his name, he brought authenticity and quiet strength to every role.
He portrayed Bob Gilroy in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Judge William E. Grey in Cheers, and made a memorable appearance in the original Star Trek as Lt. Harold.
His resume also includes appearances in ER, Murder, She Wrote, Mission: Impossible, The Wild Wild West, Knots Landing, and Frasier.
Troupe’s ability to move seamlessly between comedy and drama made him a sought-after character actor for decades.
Troupe wasn’t just known for acting—he also wrote and supported others in the craft.
He co-authored the one-man play The Diary of a Madman, which showcased his deep understanding of character and performance.
Offstage, he mentored younger actors and was always willing to offer advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear.
His presence backstage was just as meaningful as his roles on camera and onstage.
Though television and stage were his primary homes, Troupe left his mark in film as well.
His movie credits include The Big Fisherman, The Devil’s Brigade, and the comedy Summer School, released in 1987.
Whether leading or supporting, Troupe approached every performance with the same integrity and professionalism that defined his entire career.
His contributions to film, while fewer in number, were no less impactful.
Troupe is survived by his son, Christopher, and a granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carole Cook, who passed away in 2023.
Together, the couple left a lasting legacy built not on fame or flash, but on enduring dedication to their art and to each other.
Troupe’s career reminds us that some of the most powerful performers are the ones who work steadily behind the scenes, elevating every project they touch.
Read next: The bar’s a little quieter now: Beloved “Cheers” star dies at 76
Did you ever watch Tom Troupe perform, or see him in one of your favorite shows? Do you have a memory of him or Carole Cook that stayed with you? We’d love to hear your reflections!
Let’s honor a life and career that brought stories to life for more than 60 years. Rest easy, Tom Troupe—your work lives on.
Tom Troupe, the veteran actor known for his work in Cheers, Star Trek, and dozens of classic TV shows and stage productions, passed away peacefully at his Beverly Hills home on July 20.
He was 97.
Though he may not have been a household name, his performances left a lasting impression on generations of viewers.
From Broadway to primetime television, Troupe built a legacy rooted in dedication, versatility, and a deep love for storytelling.
Tom Troupe brought warmth and authenticity to every role he played, on stage and screen. Image Source: YouTube / Timeless Legends.
From Kansas City beginnings to Broadway acclaim
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Tom Troupe didn’t come from the glitzy world he would later inhabit.
His path to acting began with a love of storytelling and a deep desire to connect with people.
His breakthrough came in 1957 when he took the stage in the Broadway production of The Diary of Anne Frank.
That performance opened the door to a life in the arts, one that would stretch more than 60 years and influence countless viewers and fellow performers alike.
Also read: Joe Marinelli, Soap Star on General Hospital and Santa Barbara, dead at 68
A love story and creative partnership
Troupe’s long and loving marriage to actress Carole Cook was a rare Hollywood love story.
Cook, best known for Sixteen Candles and her friendship with Lucille Ball, shared both life and work with Troupe for nearly six decades.
The two frequently appeared together onstage in productions like The Lion in Winter, Fathers Day, and The Gin Game.
Their relationship stood as a reminder that love and art can beautifully coexist.
Cook passed away in early 2023, just days before her 99th birthday.
Also read: A heartbreaking loss: "American Idol" music supervisor and her husband found dead in their home
A familiar face across decades of television
If you watched TV in the latter half of the 20th century, you likely saw Tom Troupe.
With over 75 television appearances to his name, he brought authenticity and quiet strength to every role.
He portrayed Bob Gilroy in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Judge William E. Grey in Cheers, and made a memorable appearance in the original Star Trek as Lt. Harold.
His resume also includes appearances in ER, Murder, She Wrote, Mission: Impossible, The Wild Wild West, Knots Landing, and Frasier.
Troupe’s ability to move seamlessly between comedy and drama made him a sought-after character actor for decades.
Also read: 24 minutes dead: A parent's near-death experience and what it taught her about life beyond!
More than an actor—also a creator and mentor
Troupe wasn’t just known for acting—he also wrote and supported others in the craft.
He co-authored the one-man play The Diary of a Madman, which showcased his deep understanding of character and performance.
Offstage, he mentored younger actors and was always willing to offer advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear.
His presence backstage was just as meaningful as his roles on camera and onstage.
Carole Cook and Tom Troupe shared nearly 60 years of marriage, creativity, and love—onstage and off. Image Source: YouTube / Tap Into Glamour.
Also read: After 13 cardiac arrests, a rising TV star has tragically passed—loved ones left with questions
A quiet presence on the silver screen
Though television and stage were his primary homes, Troupe left his mark in film as well.
His movie credits include The Big Fisherman, The Devil’s Brigade, and the comedy Summer School, released in 1987.
Whether leading or supporting, Troupe approached every performance with the same integrity and professionalism that defined his entire career.
His contributions to film, while fewer in number, were no less impactful.
Also read: Tragic home invasion leaves one dead, 13-year-old son calls 911
A legacy of devotion and quiet excellence
Troupe is survived by his son, Christopher, and a granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carole Cook, who passed away in 2023.
Together, the couple left a lasting legacy built not on fame or flash, but on enduring dedication to their art and to each other.
Troupe’s career reminds us that some of the most powerful performers are the ones who work steadily behind the scenes, elevating every project they touch.
Read next: The bar’s a little quieter now: Beloved “Cheers” star dies at 76
Did you ever watch Tom Troupe perform, or see him in one of your favorite shows? Do you have a memory of him or Carole Cook that stayed with you? We’d love to hear your reflections!
Let’s honor a life and career that brought stories to life for more than 60 years. Rest easy, Tom Troupe—your work lives on.
