 Richard Mulligan, who won Emmys for his portrayals of dads in the sitcoms "Soap" and "Empty Nest," has died at age 67. Mulligan died at his home on September 26, 2000 after a long battle with cancer. A native of New York, Mulligan began his nearly 40-year career in show business as an aspiring writer. He fell into acting when he was drafted into playing a role at a rehearsal while trying to sell a play. From 1977 to 1981, Mulligan played lovable working-class screwball Burt Campbell -- stepfather to Billy Crystal's character -- on the quirky television series "Soap." He won an Emmy for the role in 1980. On "Empty Nest," the part won him another Emmy, in 1989. "Dr. Harry Weston is certainly different from my role on 'Soap,"' Mulligan said in a 1988 Associated Press interview referring to his new "Empty Nest" character. "This guy's a good doctor who cares deeply about his patients. He's a good fellow trying to take care of his daughters. His wife died 18 months ago and he still can't take the ring off." Among the other highlights of Mulligan's career was performing on stage with James Stewart in "Harvey" and working with director Blake Edwards in the 1981 film "S.O.B.," which starred Julie Andrews and William Holden. Mulligan was also featured in 1969's "The Undefeated" with John Wayne and Rock Hudson, and portrayed Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer in the 1970 film "Little Big Man." Mulligan is survived by his son, James, and brothers Robert, director of films such as "To Kill a Mockingbird," and James. |