HOUSTON, TEXAS: Gerald Castillo, a famous actor from 'General Hospital' and 'Saved by the Bell', died on May 4 at the age of 90 in his Houston home, according to his longtime wife Dayna Quinn-Castillo.
Castillo first appeared in 'The Jeffersons' in 1978. Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson on the CBS sitcom, reportedly pushed him to embark on a career as an actor in LA after appearing on stage together. He is survived by his great-grandsons Allen and Bernie as well as his grandchildren Brian and Stephanie. Lisa, his daughter from his first marriage, died last year, Hollywood Reporter reported.
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How did Gerald Castillo die?
The cause of Castillo’s death has not been revealed as more details are awaited. His wife of 36 years, Dayna Quinn, broke the sad news of his death on Wednesday, May 24. Dayna described the veteran actor as "a charismatic and insightful director who would jingle the change in his pocket while he pondered a scene, then leap onto the stage to work out the blocking or whisper in an actor's ear" when she gave The Hollywood Reporter the news.
Shared stages with celebrities like Rita Moreno
Castillo, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 23, 1932, pursued acting and stage direction studies at the Goodman Theatre in his hometown In the 1960s. Later, he shared stages with celebrities like Rita Moreno, Jessica Tandy, James Broderick, Jeanne Crain, and Sherman Hemsley in venues across the nation. Hemsley persuaded Castillo to go to Los Angeles in order to try out a career in cinema and television, and in 1978, he made his on-screen debut in an episode of CBS's 'The Jeffersons'.
Most known to 'Saved by the Bell' viewers for his role as Major Slater
Castillo is most known for playing AC Slater's (played by Mario Lopez) father Major Slater on the NBC series 'Saved by the Bell'. He also played Detective Michael Benedict on NBC's 'Hill Street Blues' in 1987, Dr Herrara on CBS' 'Knots Landing' in 1990, and Judge Davis Wagner on ABC's 'General Hospital' from 1992 to 1994. Castillo also appeared in movies such as 'Through Naked Eyes' (1983), 'Death Wish 4: The Crackdown' (1987), 'Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects' (1989), 'Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection' (1990), 'State of Emergency' (1994), and 'Above Suspicion' (1995). He frequently played a tough person.
The late actor appeared on numerous additional shows throughout his career, including 'Night Court', 'Dallas', 'Hunter', 'M*A*S*H', 'Dynasty', 'Barnaby Jones', 'All in the Family', and 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'. He is most known to 'Saved by the Bell' viewers for his role as Major Slater, a military man who raised AC in a harsh but loving manner. He made an appearance in the comedy in 1989 and 1992. He ultimately gave up acting totally before relocating to Houston in 2012.
