‘Emergency!’ Actor Tim Donnelly Dies At 77 Of Surgery Complications

Tim Donnelly dies at 77.
The actor was best known for his role in the TV series ‘Emergency!’
He died from complications of surgery.

Actor Tim Donnelly, who was best known for his role in the TV show Emergency!, has died at the age of 77 due to complications from surgery. His brother, Dennis, confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter. He died in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

At just 13 years old, Donnelly made his acting debut in 1957’s Baby Face Nelson. His brother would also help him land gigs on shows that his brother actually directed, including Hawaii Five-O, Project U.F.O., Vega$, and The A-Team.

Remembering Tim Donnelly

Donnelly went on to join the Emergency! cast in 1972, but before that, he appeared on shows like Dragnet 1967 and Adam-12. It was this NBC action-comedy Emergency! though that would really help kick off his career, and he would appear in 122 episodes spanning six years. Following his success on the show, he would also star in the 1978 horror film The Toolbox Murders as Detective Jamison, with his final role being in The A-Team in the ’80s.

The Los Angeles County Fire Museum honored the actor with a special message after learning the news of his passing. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our friend, Tim Donnelly aka Chet Kelly. Tim is survived by his daughter, Ashley, two grandsons, his sister Kathleen and his brother Dennis.”

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our friend, Tim Donnelly aka Chet Kelly. Tim is survived by his daughter, Ashley, two grandsons, his sister Kathleen and his brother Dennis. pic.twitter.com/vQfOSG6YnV

— LACoFireMuseum (@LACoFireMuseum) September 20, 2021

MeTV also lent a special tribute message to the late actor, saying, “The prankster of Station 51 passed away at the age of 77. Watch his fan-favorite episode of Dragnet “The Big High,” Thursday at 6A | 5C. MeTV.”

The prankster of Station 51 passed away at the age of 77. Watch his fan-favorite episode of Dragnet “The Big High,” Thursday at 6A | 5C. https://t.co/Zn2u5Wk1cC

— MeTV (@MeTV) September 21, 2021