Harry Johnson dead: Prolific “Battlestar Galactica” and “Law & Order” actor, who starred in “Harry & Louise” commercials, was 81

Harry Johnson, an actor with dozens of credits spanning 40 years, ranging from the original to the original Battlestar Galactica Unpleasant Buffy the Vampire Slayer, several Dick Wolf series and the famous “Harry & Louise” commercials, died Jan. 2 in Los Angeles after a long illness. He was 81.

His wife Christiane confirmed his death to Deadline.

Often referred to as Chip Johnson in the 1970s and 1980s, he was one of Universal Studios’ last contract players. Johnson began his film career with the multiple pilot episode of Battlestar Galactica in 1978 and has guest starred in dozens of television series including M*A*S*H, Quincy ME, The Incredible Hulk, Simon & Simon, The Greatest American Hero, Highway to Heaven, The A-Team, LA Law, Dynasty, Who’s the Boss?, Thirtysomething, Melrose Place, Party of Five, Roswell, Resurrection Blvd., Review of Amy, Days of Our Lives And Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

He was a prolific ADR voice actor and also appeared in several Craving for speed Computer games. Johnson’s most successful period was leading voice-over or loop groups on various Dick Wolf shows over twenty years, including all Law and authority And Chicago Series.

He has also appeared in features such as True genius, magician And The Spitfire Grill and in several television films, especially as a supporting actress Batman alum Adam West in the 1981 sci-fi telepic Time deviation.

Johnson played the role of Harry in a series of television and radio commercials for “Harry & Louise” in 1993-94, which discussed President Bill Clinton’s health care plan. Funded by the Health Insurance Association of America to the tune of $15 million to $20 million, the spots were so successful — one famous line read, “If you let the government decide, we lose” — that the Democratic National Committee eventually responded ran – Ads. .

Johnson and Louise Claire Clark reprized their roles in 2000 and 2004 election ads. Harry and Louise appeared again in an ad that ran during the 2008 Democratic National Convention and again, this time for an ad celebrating support for President Barack Obama’s new campaign. Health plan. The spots were parodied during the 2006 Oscars telecast with a period voice-over:Colbert Report Host Stephen Colbert.

Here is a collection of some of the Harry & Louise ads:

Johnson later wrote books under the name Harry Castle. His first novel was published in 2013 Fleeting Romance: The Fictional Memoirs of a Hollywood Screenwriterand his second book was the collection of short stories Miracles and Outsiders. His essays, short stories and poems have been published in various literary journals and magazines.

His wife told Deadline that Johnson loved sailing and was known among colleagues for his humor and habit of brightening up sets and making work fun.

In addition to Christiane, to whom he was married for 15 years, Johnson is survived by his stepchildren Oliver and Penelope. A memorial service is being prepared.