We have some heartbreaking news for all the fans of the beloved sitcom Murphy Brown. Charles Kimbrough, the talented actor who played the role of Jim Dial in the show, has passed away at the age of eighty-six. Kimbrough’s portrayal of Jim Dial earned him accolades, including Primetime Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations, solidifying his place as a remarkable content creator.
Although Murphy Brown was undoubtedly his most memorable work, Charles Kimbrough had a diverse and illustrious career both before and after the show. He graced our screens for the first time in 1988 on Another World and continued to leave a mark on the industry until his final role in the Murphy Brown reboot in 2018. Additionally, Kimbrough made significant contributions to films such as “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame II,” and “The Wedding Planner.”
Sadly, Kimbrough’s acting journey has now come to an end. His son, Jim Kimbrough, confirmed the news of his passing to Deadline. Charles Kimbrough departed on January 11, 2023, in Culver City, California, leaving behind a memorable legacy. While the exact cause of his death was not made public, it is not unusual for an elderly person like Kimbrough to face various health challenges.
Following the actor’s passing, his talent agency, SMS Talent, Inc., released a statement expressing their admiration for his talent. They described Kimbrough as a joy to watch, whether he was performing on stage or in front of the camera. The agency also mentioned that the actor passed away at the hospital due to natural causes associated with his age.
Charles Kimbrough faced personal struggles as well, having endured the loss of both his first and second wives. His divorce from his first wife, Mary Jane (Wilson) Kimbrough, took place in 1991, around the time when he started achieving substantial success on Murphy Brown. Sadly, she passed away in 2007. Kimbrough remarried years later to Beth Howland, but she also sadly passed away in 2016.
Kimbrough is survived by his sister, Linda Kimbrough, his son, John Kimbrough, his stepdaughter, Holly Howland, and his granddaughter, Cody, as reported by Tip Hero.
Prior to his Hollywood success, Kimbrough made a name for himself as a prominent stage actor. In 1971, he received a Tony Award nomination for his remarkable performance in Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Company.”
Devastated fans took to Twitter to express their condolences and pay tribute to Charles Kimbrough. Here are a few heartfelt quotes from grieving fans:
“I just learned about the passing of Charles Kimbrough. We worked together in TARTUFFE at Shakespeare in the Park. He was the most expressive, inventive, and meticulous actor I have ever met. More importantly, one of the kindest people I have ever known. I learned so much from him. Rest in peace.”
“In case anyone didn’t know, the late Charles Kimbrough from ‘Murphy Brown’ was married to the late Beth Howland from ‘Alice!’ A sitcom dream couple.”
Charles Kimbrough’s talent and warm presence will be dearly missed by fans and industry professionals alike. May he rest in eternal peace.
