In Memory of Jack Klugman (1922-2012)

I hope this news does not dampen your holiday spirits too much. The year 2012 has been a tough year for iconic game show celebrities with the deaths of Phyllis Diller, Dick Clark, Richard Dawson, and sadly today, Jack Klugman. The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E. star passed away today at the age of 90. According to his lawyer, Larry Larson, Klugman died in his home in Northridge, CA with his wife, Peggy Crosby, by his side. In 1974, Klugman was diagnosed with throat cancer and fifteen years later, he lost a vocal cord due to cancer. Despite this issue, Klugman continued his acting career with his raspy and scratchy voice. 

Jack Klugman was best known for his roles as medical examiner Dr. R. Quincy on Quincy M.E. and Oscar Madison, an unkempt sports writer, on The Odd Couple. Klugman won two Emmy Awards for his role in the 1970's sitcom. Before he co-starred alongside Tony Randall in the television series, Klugman told Larry King in 2001 that he played Oscar in the Broadway series of The Odd Couple. 

He was also a recurring panelist on Match Game during the Rayburn era. Klugman originally appeared on Match Game to fill in for Brett Somers, his first wife. In fact, during his appearance on CBS's Match Game in the show's premiere week in 1973, Klugman asked the show's producers to give Somers a chance to be panelist on the show for a week. Needless to say, the rest is history. This was not Klugman's only game show appearance as he has also guest-starred on Password Plus, Password, and the 1993 U.K. game show Going For Gold as a winning celebrity contestant competing against past series champions. 

Upon hearing the the news of Klugman's death, William Shatner tweeted, "Condolences go out to the family of Jack Klugman. An extraordinary and talented man. He will be missed." His brother, David Klugman, said, "His sons loved him very much. We'll carry on in his spirit." Jacob Joachim Klugman may be gone, but not forgotten. Check out the clips below to watch Jack Klugman's funniest and most memorable Match Game moments.  

In Loving Memory of Jack Klugman

(1922-2012)

Sources: ABC 13 News, CNN