Battlestar Galactica and Law Order star Harry Johnson dies

Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order star Harry Johnson dies at 81 after 'long illness'

American actor Harry Johnson has died at the age of 81 after a long illness.

In his four-decade career, he starred in, among others, “Battlestar Galactica” and “Law & Order” as well as in the famous “Harry & Louise” commercials.

Johnson's wife, Christine, confirmed his death to Deadline, announcing that he died on January 2 in Los Angeles.

Born on December 27, 1942 in Plainfield, New Jersey, Johnson began his career on Battlestar Galactica in 1978 and went on to star in a number of TV series including M*A*S*H, Quincy ME, The Incredible Hulk and Buffy the Vampire Slayer Vampire hunter.

Johnson also starred in the “Harry & Louise” TV and radio commercials in the 1990s, which discussed President Bill Clinton's health care plan.

American actor Harry Johnson has died at the age of 81 after a long illness.  In his four-decade career, he starred in “Battlestar Galactica” and “Law & Order,” among others

American actor Harry Johnson has died at the age of 81 after a long illness. In his four-decade career, he starred in “Battlestar Galactica” and “Law & Order,” among others

In addition to his work on the small screen, Johnson appeared in “Real Genius,” “Warlock” and “The Spitfire Grill” as well as television films.

He became known for his appearance alongside Batman star Adam West in the 1981 science fiction film Time Warp.

The star also worked as an ADR voice actor and on several Need for Speed ​​video games.

He led the voice-over or looping groups for several Dick Wolf shows, including all of Law & Order and Chicago, for more than two decades.

Johnson also proved to be a talented writer, publishing novels under the name Harry Castle.

His first book was 2013's Fugitive Romance: The Fictional Memoir of a Hollywood Screenwriter and his second book was the short story collection Miracles & Misfits.

Johnson's wife told Deadline that the actor enjoyed sailing and was known among his colleagues for his wit and his way of bringing a brightness to sets that made the work fun.

In addition to Christine, to whom he was married for 15 years, Johnson is survived by his stepchildren Oliver and Penelope.

Johnson was born on December 27, 1942 in Plainfield, New Jersey and began his career on Battlestar Galactica in 1978

Johnson was born on December 27, 1942 in Plainfield, New Jersey and began his career on Battlestar Galactica in 1978