LOS ANGELES — Randolph Mantooth, best known for his role as firefighter and paramedic John Gage on NBC's "Emergency!" in the 1970s, has died at age 80 after a long illness, his family announced Friday.
Mantooth's portrayal of John Gage on the series, which aired from 1972 to 1979, helped popularize the paramedic profession and inspired many to pursue careers in emergency medical services. The show followed the lives of firefighters and paramedics at Station 51 in Los Angeles County.
Born on September 19, 1945, in Sacramento, California, Mantooth began his acting career in the late 1960s. After "Emergency!" ended, he continued acting in television and film, and later worked as a motivational speaker and advocate for emergency medical services.
Mantooth is survived by his wife, Rose, and two children. The family has requested privacy during this time.
