Stars From The Office You Didn't Know Died

Have you ever wondered what happened to the beloved cast members of "The Office"? This iconic sitcom captured the hearts of many with its unique characters and unforgettable moments. Even years after the show's conclusion, it remains a fan favorite, often quoted and revisited by audiences around the world. However, as we reminisce about the laughter and joy that "The Office" brought us, it's important to acknowledge the bittersweet reality that some of its beloved stars are no longer with us.

Throughout its nine-season run, "The Office" introduced us to a myriad of characters, from the quirky Michael Scott to the lovable Jim Halpert. Each character contributed to the show's charm, creating memorable moments that still resonate today. But behind the laughter and hilarity, some actors have sadly passed away, leaving fans with a sense of loss. In this article, we will honor their legacies and revisit their contributions to the series.

As we explore the lives and careers of these talented individuals, we will reflect on their impact not only on "The Office" but also on television and film in general. Join us as we celebrate their contributions and remember the laughter they brought into our lives.

Patrice O'Neal
Ken Howard
Hugh Dane
Ranjit Chowdhry
John Ingle
Marcus York

Patrice O'Neal

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Comedian and actor Patrice O'Neal portrayed the no-filter warehouse worker Lonny Collins on "The Office." His character easily intimidated Michael Scott and he wasn't afraid to voice his opinions. His catchy one-liners included, "I'd bet you'd like to swim with this sea monster" when addressing Kelly Kapoor in Season 3's "Safety Meeting" and telling Michael Scott that heart disease is really, in fact, "fat butt disease." Ultimately, he gave viewers a good laugh and a few memorable moments on the show.

O'Neal appeared in the first three seasons of "The Office," but he's also best known for his stand-up comedy acts. The New York Times stated that O'Neal "commanded the stage" and it wasn't because of his large stature. Like his brazen character in "The Office," O'Neal had a "reputation for brash honesty" and would "alienate audiences and celebrities alike, both of whom he mocked relentlessly." The comic was regularly seen on Comedy Central and was in several television shows and movies including Dave Chappelle's "Chappelle's Show" and Spike Lee's 2002 film "25th Hour."

Living with diabetes and being the brutally honest comic he was, O'Neal would often make fun of himself stating in one act on Comedy Central, "See, I've got to lose weight now to stay alive, and that's not enough motivation for me." TMZ reported that the comic died in 2011 at the age of 41 following complications from a stroke.

Ken Howard

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In Season 2's episode "The Carpet," Michael Scott lures his old boss Ed Truck, played by actor Ken Howard, to the office looking for advice on how to befriend his employees. It was the only episode in which viewers got to see the character on "The Office" until his death was confirmed in Season 3's "Grief Counseling" when Creed Bratton informed his colleagues that Truck was tragically decapitated while driving down U.S. Route 6. While Scott didn't get his robot statue of Truck, he did get his employers to attend a funeral for a dead bird.

Howard may have only appeared in one episode of the show, but he had a long-standing career in Hollywood. According to The New York Times, Howard was best known for portraying Thomas Jefferson in the musical drama "1776" and starring as a basketball coach in the late '70s television show "The White Shadow." He is a winner of a Tony Award and an Emmy, with memorable film roles including 2007's "Michael Clayton" and 2008's "Rambo."

Besides Howard's many roles, he was also the first president of SAG-AFTRA, the largest union of actors in Hollywood. The New York Times reported that his union confirmed he had died in March 2016 at the age of 71 and did not disclose how. However, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Howard was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2007 and was recently hospitalized with a case of shingles.