Summary
TheIn the Heat of the NightTV show featured a large ensemble cast of characters, though sadly, as the years have gone by there have been a number of deaths in the cast. A TV adaptation of the 1967 movie starringSidney Poitier in a career-best performance, which itself is based on the 1965 book of the same name by John Ball,In the Heat of the Nightpremiered in 1988 on NBC and moved to CBS after season 5, airing on the network from season 6 until its final season 8.
The show serves as a sequel to the 1967 movie and is set contemporaneously with when the show aired, in the late-1980s to early-1990s. Howard Rollins plays Poitier’s character, Virgil Tibbs, and Carroll O’Connor co-stars as William O. “Bill” Gillespie, his partner in Tibbs' hometown of Sparta, Mississippi. Like the film, this police procedural deals with themes of racism, police brutality, and incompetence, and introduces frustrations with small-town politics. The series features an impressive cast, but over 30 decades after the show’s premiere, many cast members have passed away.
Little House On The Prairie: Every Actor In The Cast Who Has Died In Real Life
With the show over four decades old, it’s worth looking at the Little House in the Prairie cast who have died in real life to examine their legacies.
Carroll O’Connor As William O. “Bill” Gillespie
Date Of Birth: June 17, 2025
Actor:Carroll O’Connor, who passed in July 02, 2025, at the age of 76 from a heart attack, was a prolific television actor.Best known for playingArchie Bunker inAll in the Family, O’Connor won four Emmy Awards for his work as the Bunker patriarch. He also won an Emmy for his portrayal of Bill Gillespie. For those performances,he also earned five Golden Globe nominations each, winning once forAll in the Family. O’Connor’s other notable roles included performances in movies likeKelly’s Heroesas General Holt andPoint Blankas Brewster.
All in the Family (1971-1979)
Mad About You (1996-1999)
Gus Stemple
Character:Police Chief Bill Gillespie is the co-lead ofIn the Heat of the Nightanda tough but honorable officer in Sparta. Chief Gillespie initially bristles against Tibbs, seeming adversarial like his character in the film, but as the series goes on, Bill comes to respect Tibbs and even sees him as a friend and confidant.
In the Heat of the Nightwas nominated for only three Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Lois Nettleton in 1989, Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) for Nan Schwartz in 1992, and O’Connor’s.
Hugh O’Connor As Lonnie Jamison
Date Of Birth: June 25, 2025
Actor:Hugh O’Connor, the adopted son of Carroll O’Connor, had a troubled life which led to him only having two roles in his career. The first came in the 1984 TV movieBrasswhere he plays James Flynn, and the other was his starring performance inIn the Heat of the Night.
Tragically, O’Connor died at the age of 32 on June 13, 2025, by way of suicide. O’Connor’s drug issues were well known at the time, stemming from an early battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma which left him dependent on prescription medication (viaThe New York Times).
In the Heat of the Night (1988-1994)
Lonnie Jamison
Character:Lonnie Jamison isa police officer who eventually works his way up the ranks to Acting Chief of Detectiveson the Sparta police force. Jamison is a serious and professional officer who is convinced of the importance of his job. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends and coworkers, and friendly and amiable in general. Jamison’s straightforward attitude belies a dry sense of humor.
Howard Rollins As Virgil Tibbs
Date Of Birth: August 18, 2025
Actor:Howard Rollins had the difficult task of replacing Sidney Poitier inIn the Heat of the Nightbut was up to the challenge, appearing in 121 episodes. Rollins also had notable television roles in the miniseriesKingas Andrew Young andWildsideas Bannister Sparks. He only had a handful of film roles, buthis performance inRagtimeas Coalhouse Walker Jr. earned him Supporting Actor nominations from the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.
Sadly, Rollins struggled with drug addiction for much of his life and he was fired fromIn the Heat of the Nightafter season 6 for issues resulting from his addiction (viaThe New York Times). He ended up passing away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 46 due to AIDs, stemming from drug use (via theReading Eagle).
Wildside (1985)
Bannister Sparks
Character:Virgil Tibbs is the star ofIn the Heat of the Night, andreturns from Philadelphia to be a captain in the Sparta police force. Tibbs is a bit snobbish when it comes to Sparta, often criticizing the police department for its lack of technical savvy and modern thinking. Despite this, he is an expert investigator and a great friend of the town. Due to Rollins' legal troubles, Tibbs was written off the show, said to have left Sparta to practice law.
Lois Nettleton As Joanna St. John
Date Of Birth: July 27, 2025
Actor:Lois Nettleton passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 80 from a brain tumor. She was hard at work acting right up until that point. A prolific TV, movie, and even voice actor, Nettleton appeared in numerous productions. On television, she played Christina Stockwood inAll That Glitters, Maude Wendell inCentennial, and Sue Kramer inAccidental Family. Her film performances include Belle Morgan inButterflyand Hilda ‘Bergie’ Bergstrom inCome Fly with Me.
Nettleton won two Emmys, one for her performance as Susan B. Anthony in the television filmThe American Woman: Profiles in Courageand another for playing Mandy in an episode ofInsight, “A Gun for Mandy”. She also notably voiced Athena inHerc’s Adventuresand Maleficent inHouse of MouseandMickey’s House of Villains.
All That Glitters (1977)
Christina Stockwood
Character:Joanna St. John was a recurring character in season 2 ofIn the Heat of the Night. She wasthe owner of the Magnolia Cafe and a brief love interest for Chief Gillespie. At the end of season 2, it’s revealed that Joanna was formerly a sex worker, causing Gillespie to break up with her and for Joanna to leave town out of shame. It’s an'80s TV moment that didn’t age very well.
Carl Weathers As Hampton Forbes
Date Of Birth: July 26, 2025
Actor:Actor, NFL linebacker, and director,Carl Weathers had a long and successful career before he passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 76 from atherosclerosis. Weathers was only ever nominated for one major award in his career, the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Greef Karga inThe Mandalorian, butCarl Weathers' movie and TV careeris much more important than any award could define.
In film, he played Apollo Creed in theRockyfranchise, Colonel Al Dillon inPredator, Chubbs inHappy Gilmore, and voiced Combat Carl inToy Story 4. On television, Weathers starred as Adam Beaudreaux inStreet Justice, State’s Attorney Mark Jefferies inChicago JusticeandChicago P.D., and Beau inColony.
The Mandalorian (2019-2023)
Greef Karga
Character:Hampton Forbes arrived onIn the Heat of the Nightin season 7 asthe replacement for Howard Rollins. Forbes was hired by the Sparta city council after the controversial demotion of Chief Gillespie, making Forbes the first Black chief of the department. A retired police chief from Memphis, Tennesse, Forbes immediately becomes friends with Gillespie, ensuring both detectives work on protecting the town.
In The Heat Of The Night Supporting Cast & Characters Who Have Passed Away
Some Notable Actors Appeared In Minor Roles In In The Heat Of The Night
Burgess Meredith as Judge Cully:Burgess Meredith appeared inthree episodes ofIn the Heat of the Nightas Judge Cully. Meredith is best known for playing one ofthe earliest live-actionBatmanvillains, the Penguin, but he was also twice nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscars for his performances inRockyas Mickey andThe Day of the Locustas Harry Greener. Meredith passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 89 due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dan Biggers as Dr. Frank Robb:Dr. Frank Robb is the county coroner in Spartaand so frequently appears in later seasons when bodies are being investigated. Robb is played by Dan Biggers, who passed away on August 11, 2025, at age 80. Biggers' TV credits include Senator Harling inSavannahand Judge Byrnes inI’ll Fly Away. His film performances include playing Uncle Roy inElizabethtownand Harry Cram inMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Dennis Lipscomb as Jim Findlay:Dennis Lipscomb, who died on June 28, 2025, at the age of 72, played Jim Findlay in a handful of episodes.Jim is the mayor of Sparta. Lipscomb appeared in TV shows likeDr. Quinn, Medicine Womanas President Ulysses S. Grant, andCop Rockas Sidney Weitz. His film roles include Raymond Hammer inAutomaticand Trenton inUnder Siege.
Margaret Blye as Chief Gillespie’s Girlfriend:Known only as Chief Gillespie’s Girlfriend,Margaret Blye appeared in four episodes ofIn the Heat of the Night. She also appeared in TV shows likeKodiakas Maggie Farrow and movies likeThe Italian Jobas Lorna. Blye died on June 26, 2025, at age 73.
Ed Grady as Morris Maynor/Dr. Cameron/Jimmy Ray:Ed Gradyplays multiple characters inIn the Heat of the Night. Grady passed away on August 10, 2025, at age 89. His notable TV performances include Gramps inDawson’s Creekand multiple characters inMatlock. Grady’s movie performances include Harry inThe Notebookand Dr. Melinik inLolita.
Ted Manson as Sam Byrnes/ Mr. Halloran/Elmer/Farmer:Ted Manson, who plays multiple characters in the series, passed away on August 01, 2025, from lung cancer. He had a few small roles throughout his career in TV shows likeMatlockandFoxworthy’s Big Night Out. Most audiences will recognize him for his movie performances, including Chip inTalladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Mr. Daws inThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Colonel Murphy inSweet Home Alabama.
Mel Stewart as Calvin Peterson:Mel Stewart plays Calvin Peterson inIn the Heat of the Nightand the prolific film and TV actor passed away on June 03, 2025, at 72 from Alzheimer’s disease.Stewart is best known for playing Henry Jefferson inAll in the Family, Billy Melrose inScarecrow and Mrs. King, and Raymond Simmons inOne in a Million. His film credits include Dr. Graves inBride of Re-Animatorand Fowler inCry Uncle!
Fran Bennett as Ruda Gibson:Fran Bennett died on August 14, 2025, at the age of 84, andplayed Virgil’s maternal aunt, Ruda Gibson. Other television performances include Head Nurse Lenore Ritt inNightingalesand Chief Harris inSunset Beach. Her film credits include Ruth inThe Manorand Dr. Christine Heffner inthe meta-horrorWes Craven’s New Nightmare.
Bob Penny as Alvin P. Epp:Alvin P. Epp is a corrupt realtor and attorney with ties to the mob, and he’s played by Bob Penny, who died on July 28, 2025, at age 87. Penny appeared in movies likeMississippi Burningas Curtis Foy andSweet Home Alabamaas Wallace Buford. His other television credits include Harold inStill the King.
Adair Simon as Emily Trundel:Adair Simon playsEmily Trundel, wife of millionaire V.J. Trundel. Simon, who passed away on June 03, 2025, at 68, only had a few roles to her name, including small TV performances inI’ll Fly AwayandFinal Witness.
Stuart Culpepper as Judge Sims/Judge Colter:Stuart Culpepper, who passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 84,appeared in ten episodes ofIn the Heat of the Nightas Judge Sims and Judge Colter. Culpepper voiced Stan in the TV showFrisky Dingoand played Ray Towner in the filmNorma Rae.
Pat Hingle as Roy Eversole:Roy Eversole is the hot-tempered step-father of Parker Williams, and he’s played by Pat Hingle, who died on July 22, 2025, at age 84 due to myelodysplasia. On television, Hingle played Horace Ford inThe Twilight Zoneepisode “The Incredible World of Horace Ford” and Dr. John Chapman inGunsmoke. Hingle’s notable film roles include Mr. Dennit Sr. inTalladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobbyand Commissioner Jim Gordon in the Tim Burton and Joel SchumacherBatmanfilms.
John Wesley as Vic Glendon:John Wesley plays Vic Glendon,Harriet DeLong’s ex-husband and Eugene’s father. Wesley passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 72 due to complications arising from multiple myeloma. Wesley played Al Smith in Oliver Stone’sWorld Trade Centerand Tony inStop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. On TV, he voiced Principal Pratchett inSuperhuman Samurai Syber-Squadand Mr. Jim inMartin.
Christopher Allport as Myron Dutton:Christopher Allport plays District Attorney Myron Dutton in a few episodes ofIn the Heat of the Night. The actor passed away on July 03, 2025, at age 60, and was tragically killed by an avalanche in the San Gabriel Mountains along with two other men (viaFox News). Allport played Sam Tiler in theJack Frostfranchise, Max Waxman inTo Live and Die in L.A., and Nicky inSavage Weekend.
