Randolph Mantooth, who played TV’s “Emergency!” paramedic firefighter John Gage and marshaled Ellsworth’s fire parade a half-century ago, has died.
Mantooth, 80, who passed away earlier this month in California, teamed up with costar Kevin Tighe, who played TV’s paramedic firefighter Roy DeSoto, as the celebrity grand marshals for the 1975 Ellsworth Fireman’s Parade.
Their appearance that summer was a hugely popular event in Hancock County, drawing thousands of spectators and over 150 fire units from all over New England and Canada.
The festivities, archived by Northeast Historic Film, concluded with a traditional fireman’s muster, featuring ladder climbs, hose hookups and water battles.
Emergency!” (1972–1979) was a TV show about the crew of Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 51, particularly the paramedic team, and Rampart Hospital responding to emergencies in their operating area.
Mantooth ‘s role on the hit NBC medical drama introduced millions of viewers to the then-novel concept of paramedics and emergency medical services.
The show’s portrayal of first responders is widely credited with inspiring countless real-life firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics to pursue their careers, according to Variety.
Following his breakout success on Emergency!, Mantooth built a prolific acting career spanning five decades.
He went on to star in numerous daytime soap operas, including notable roles on ABC’s Loving, General Hospital, and One Life to Live.
Off-screen, he remained a devoted advocate and ambassador for firefighters and emergency responders throughout his life.
Mantooth died of complications from pneumonia at a hospice facility in Ventura, California, on July 9.
A special RIP from Ellsworth, Maine to John Gage.
