Charles Kimbrough, Applauded 'Murphy Brown' Actor, Dead at 86

The actor passed away last month, according to a statement from his son.

Charles Kimbrough, the renowned actor who gained great acclaim for portraying anchorman Jim Dial in Murphy Brown throughout the '80s and '90s, has died. He was 86.

As reported by Deadline, Kimbrough passed away on Jan. 11 in Culver City, California. The actor's son, John Kimbrough, confirmed the news. His cause of death was not shared.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Kimbrough began his career on stage, and in 1971, he was nominated for a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for portraying Harry in Stephen Sondheim's Company. He also originated the role of Jules in the Broadway production of Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George in 1984.

Kimbrough's also screen acting career started gaining traction right away, with the late actor continually booking roles throughout the '70s and '80s.

In 1988, he got his breakout role in the hit TV series Murphy Brown as Jim Dial, a straight-faced news anchor working alongside Candice Bergen's Murphy Brown at the fictional news show called FYI.

His work on the show led to an Emmy nomination in 1990. The series also starred Grant Shaud, Faith Ford, Robert Pastorelli, and more, and it lasted for 10 seasons and more than 240 episodes.

Kimbrough returned to the role in 2018 for the short-lived reboot, with his character, now retired, stopping by to give Brown some much-needed guidance.

Kimbrough also did a fair share of voice work, with his most notable role being one of the gargoyles named Victor in the Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He continued voicing the role in the sequel and later Disney projects.

Along with that, other animated TV shows and films he lent his voice include Recess, The Angry Beavers, and Batman Beyond.

Information regarding a memorial service for the actor was not immediately available.