Tom Troupe, a prolific actor whose career spanned over six decades across Broadway, film, and television, has died of natural causes at the age of 97. He passed away at his home in Beverly Hills, his publicist Harlan Boll confirmed to multiple outlets, including Deadline.
Troupe was widely recognized for his extensive body of work, including appearances in more than 75 television series. His roles in iconic shows like Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, Cheers, and Frasier made him a familiar face to audiences for generations.
From Kansas City to Broadway and Beyond
Born on July 15, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, Troupe began his acting journey in local theater before relocating to New York City in the 1940s. There, he studied under legendary acting teacher Uta Hagen at the Herbert Berghof Studio. He also served in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
Troupe made his Broadway debut in 1957 in The Diary of Anne Frank. A year later, he moved to Los Angeles, where he would build a rich career in both television and film.
A Career Across Mediums
In Hollywood, Troupe’s television credits included The Wild Wild West, CHiPs, Cagney & Lacey, Knots Landing, ER, and Murder, She Wrote. On the big screen, he appeared in notable films such as Kelly’s Heroes, The Devil’s Brigade, Summer School, and My Own Private Idaho, where he starred alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.
A Lifelong Love of the Stage
Despite his success on screen, Troupe never strayed far from the theater. He frequently performed alongside his wife of nearly 60 years, actress Carole Cook, who passed away in 2023. The couple shared the stage in productions like The Lion in Winter, Father’s Day, and The Gin Game, and in 2002, they became the first married couple to receive the Theatre Ovation Award for Career Achievement.
Troupe also toured nationally with Barbara Rush in Same Time, Next Year and starred in The Diary of a Madman, a play he co-wrote.
Remembered for his versatility, dedication, and love for the craft, Tom Troupe leaves behind a legacy etched in American theater and television history.
