Jack Bannon was a talented actor who played the role of Art Donovan on the popular TV series Lou Grant. He was also the son of two famous actors, Jim Bannon and Bea Benaderet, and the brother-in-law of John Travolta. He had a long and successful career in television, film, and theater, but sadly, he passed away on October 25, 2017, at the age of 77. What was the cause of his death? How did he cope with his illness? And what legacy did he leave behind? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Jack Bannon, and pay tribute to his remarkable achievements.
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The Early Years of Jack Bannon
Jack Bannon was born on June 14, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a family of actors, as his parents were both well-known in the entertainment industry. His mother, Bea Benaderet, was a versatile actress who starred in The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Petticoat Junction, Green Acres, and The Flintstones. His father, Jim Bannon, was a handsome cowboy who played Red Ryder in four movies. Jack inherited his parents’ talent and passion for acting, and graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1963 with a degree in drama.
The Breakthrough Role of Jack Bannon
Jack Bannon began his acting career as a dialogue coach on Petticoat Junction, the sitcom that featured his mother as Kate Bradley. He also appeared in several episodes of the show as different characters. He then went on to guest star in various TV shows of the 1960s and 1970s, such as The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Daniel Boone, Kojak, The Rockford Files, and Charlie’s Angels. He also had roles in movies like What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?, Little Big Man, and Death Warrant.
However, his most memorable role was that of Art Donovan on Lou Grant, the spin-off of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that focused on the journalism world. Jack Bannon played the assistant city editor of the fictional Los Angeles Tribune newspaper, who worked under the supervision of Ed Asner’s character Lou Grant. He portrayed Donovan as a friendly, loyal, and competent journalist who often helped Lou with his problems. He appeared in all 114 episodes of the series from 1977 to 1982, and received critical acclaim for his performance.
The Later Years of Jack Bannon
After Lou Grant ended, Jack Bannon continued to act in TV shows and movies. He had a regular role in Trauma Center (1983), a medical drama that starred James Naughton and Dorian Harewood. He also appeared in Simon & Simon (1984), Murder She Wrote (1985), Matlock (1986), and Diagnosis Murder (1998). His last film role was in Waitin’ to Live (2006), a comedy-drama that starred Barry Corbin and Buck Taylor.
Jack Bannon also had a successful career in theater. He joined the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre company in Idaho in 1995, where he met his wife Ellen Travolta, an actress and the elder sister of John Travolta. They married in 1983 and settled in Coeur d’Alene. They performed together in many plays over the years, such as Guys and Dolls (1996), Fiddler on the Roof (1997), The Odd Couple (1998), Annie Get Your Gun (2000), and Hello Dolly! (2002).
The Cause of Death of Jack Bannon
Jack Bannon died on October 25, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho from cancer at the age of 77. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he had been battling the disease for some time. He was surrounded by his family and friends when he passed away. He is survived by his wife Ellen Travolta, his sister Maggie, and his two stepchildren Molly and Tom.
Jack Bannon’s death was mourned by many fans and colleagues who remembered him as a kind, generous, and talented person. Ed Asner tweeted: “I am so saddened by the loss of my friend Jack Bannon. He was a wonderful actor & human being. We will miss him.” Lou Grant co-star Robert Walden wrote: “Jack was one of my closest friends for over forty years. He was funny, smart & always there when you needed him.” Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre artistic director Jadd Davis said: “Jack was a pillar of our theatre community for over two decades. He was an incredible performer & mentor.”
The Legacy of Jack Bannon
Jack Bannon left behind a rich legacy of work that spanned over five decades. He was a versatile actor who could play comedy, drama, and musicals with equal skill. He was also a loving husband, brother, and stepfather who cherished his family. He was a respected and admired member of the Coeur d’Alene community who contributed to its cultural and artistic development. He was a humble and gracious person who touched the lives of many people with his warmth and generosity.
Jack Bannon will always be remembered as Art Donovan, the loyal and friendly assistant editor of Lou Grant. He will also be remembered as the son of Jim Bannon and Bea Benaderet, the brother-in-law of John Travolta, and the husband of Ellen Travolta. He will also be remembered as a talented and passionate actor who gave his best in every role he played. He will also be remembered as a kind and generous human being who made the world a better place. Jack Bannon’s cause of death was cancer, but his life was full of love, laughter, and joy.
