Beloved 'Star Trek' and 'Dukes of Hazzard' Actor Dies at 95
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John Wheeler, a beloved character actor and star of stage and screen, has passed away at 95. His daughter, Johanna Wheeler, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, saying he passed away at home in Claremont, California on February 6.
Wheeler was best known for his role as Ambassador Gav in the original run of Star Trek in the 1960s, a politician representing the Tellarites. His appearance, as a key figure in the 1967 episode "Journey to Babel," also introduced audiences to Spock's father Sarek.
In addition to Star Trek, Wheeler had several other notable roles. He played Mr. Rhuebottom, a general store owner on Dukes of Hazzard in 1982, and appeared alongside Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez on the CBS television movie Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter.
In the 1970s, Wheeler starred in a classic McDonald's commercial, appearing as the singing manager in the commercial that coined "You deserve a break today" as one of the chain's famous slogans. John Amos and Anson Williams also appeared in the commercial, and would go on to find significant fame.
Other notable appearances included on the shows Bonanza, Green Acres, The Brady Bunch, The Odd Couple,Golden Girls, Happy Days, and Beverley Hills 90210. On Broadway, Wheeler appeared in 1961's The Happiest Girl in the World, 1962’s Kean, 1964’s Café Crown and I Had a Ball, and 1966’s Sweet Charity.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Wheeler is survived by his 3 children, Johanna, Christopher, and Timothy, and grandson Brandon. He married Helen Wheeler in 1959, and they remained together until her death in 2013.