Ray Donovan star Jay Thomas has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 69.
The actor, known for his roles in Cheers, Murphy Brown and sitcom Love and War, passed away with wife Sally and sons Sam, Max and J.T. by his side.
Agent and long-time friend Don Buchwald confirmed the sad news via a statement released to the New York Daily News: ‘Jay was one of a kind, never at a loss for words and filled with so much fun and wonderfully wacky thoughts and behavior.’
Sad news: Ray Donovan star Jay Thomas has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 69
In addition to playing Eddie LeBec in Cheers, he played obnoxious TV talk show host Jerry Gold on Murphy Brown from 1989 until 1998.
The actor also had his own sit-com, Love and War, from 1992 until 1995.
Most recently, Jay was seen in Ray Donovan as Stalker.com owner Marty Grossman.
Thomas has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame for his work in radio.
Classic: Here Jay is seen with Rhea Pearlman on the 1987 episode of Cheers titled Little Carla, Happy At Last
Talker: He played a talk show host on Murphy Brown, seen here with Candice Bergen in 1990
He hosted a self-titled weekday live radio show on Sirius XM where he discussed politics and hot topics with callers since 2005.
The popular Texan, whose first TV role was in Mork & Mindy, also appeared in the Santa Claus movies, and his other big screen credits included A Smile Like Yours, Mr. Holland’s Opus and Labor Pains.
Jay was also a regular guest on David Letterman’s talk show during the festive season, where they would try and knock meatballs of a Christmas tree with footballs.
Lengthy career: Most recently, Jay was seen in Ray Donovan as Stalker.com owner Marty Grossman
Previously speaking about his guest stint: ‘It’s been fun. I’ve always wanted to be one of those guys on late-night talk shows who everybody wants to see.
‘Like on Carson, when Rickles would come out. I became that guy. And I love football, so my two big dreams were totally realized.’
Tom Arnold, who worked with Thomas on 2011’s The Pool Boys, tweeted: ‘I love Jay Thomas.
‘Many unscripted inappropriate laughs everytime we worked together. My thoughts today are with his beloved family. #RIP’.
Loved: He is survived by wife Sally and sons Sam, Max and J.T, who were by his side for his final breath