Melrose Place star Brad Johnson dead at 62: Steven Spielberg’s Always actor died of coronavirus complications in February, his family reveal – as they pay tribute to a ‘true Renaissance man’
- Johnson died in Fort Worth, Texas on February 18, his representative Linda McAlister told The Hollywood Reporter
- “He was a real Renaissance man,” his family wrote in an obituary. “Not only was he interested in everything life had to offer, he was gifted for it too”
- The one-time rodeo cowboy got his break when he portrayed the famous cigarette mascot “Marlboro Man” in the mid-’80s, which brought Spielberg to the attention of him
- Johnson also famously performed as Dr. Dominick O’Malley in the hit Fox drama Melrose Place
Brad Johnson, an actor who played a supporting role on the hit Steven Spileberg drama Always, has died at the age of 62 from complications from COVID-19.
Johnson died in Fort Worth, Texas on February 18, his representative Linda McAlister told The Hollywood Reporter.
“He was a real Renaissance man,” his family wrote in an obituary. “Not only was he interested in all that life had to offer, he was gifted at it.”
“Even though he was taken prematurely, he has lived his life to the fullest. He was larger than life. Brad was loved by many and loved people back, a true friend, trusted colleague and a devoted husband and father. He will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on.
The one-time rodeo cowboy got his big break in the mid-’80s when he portrayed the famous cigarette mascot “Marlboro Man,” which brought Spielberg to the attention of him.
Brad Johnson, an actor who played a supporting role on the hit Steven Spileberg drama Always, has died at the age of 62 from complications from COVID-19
Johnson pictured in black and white on the set of his first major film, 1991 Always directed by Steven Spielberg
Johnson also famously performed as Dr. Dominick O’Malley in the hit Fox drama Melrose Place
Johnson’s family business posted this tribute to him on Facebook in March. In addition to acting, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he built a hunting lodge in New Mexico and also worked on restoring vintage guns and selling ranch real estate in North Texas
Johnson also famously performed as Dr. Dominick O’Malley in the hit Fox drama Melrose Place.
His other notable roles include a recurring role on CSI, the religious film Left Behind starring Kirk Cameron, and the syndicated TV series Soldier of Fortune, Inc.
The latest role cited on his IMDb page is a 2015 cowboy film called Nail 32.
Johnson was born on October 24, 1959 in Tucson, Arizona, the son of a horse dealer.
In 1984, Johnson worked as a professional rodeo cowboy before becoming a pitchman for Marlboro cigarettes and Calvin Klein.
Johnson, here with John Goodman on the set of Steven Spielberg’s 1989 hit “Always.”
Johnson and his family at the premiere of the religious film Left Behind, starring Kirk Cameron
Brad Johnson with wife Laurie and son Shane at the grand opening of New Universal Studios Theme Park Ride – ET Adventure in 1991
Johnson (left) on the set of John Milius’ 1991 film Flight of the Intruder with co-stars Danny Glover and Willem Defoe
His break from television came with a cameo on CBS megahit Dallas, and he worked in films like 1989’s Nam Angels before being cast in Spielberg’s hit Always.
Johnson has been largely inactive in film and television in recent years, but has remained occupied with other pursuits.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, he built a hunting lodge in New Mexico and also worked on restoring vintage guns and selling ranch real estate in North Texas.
Johnson was due to return to film last year in a western called Treasure Valley, but the film’s writer and star died just as production began.
He is survived by his 35-year-old wife, Laurie, and their children, Shane, Bellamy, Rachel, Eliana, Eden, Rebekah, Annabeth, and William.