‘Dynasty’ kingpin Forsythe, 92, dies
Versatile actor also boss in ‘Charlie’s Angels’
LOS ANGELES – John Forsythe, the handsome, smooth-voiced actor who made his fortune as the scheming oil tycoon in TV’s “Dynasty” and the voice of the leader of “Charlie’s Angels,” has died after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 92.
Forsythe died late Thursday at his home in Santa Ynez, Calif., from complications of pneumonia.
Despite his distinguished work in theater and films, Forsythe’s greatest fame came from his role as Blake Carrington in producer Aaron Spelling’s 1981-89 prime-time soap opera “Dynasty.”
Forsythe lent dignity to the tale of murder, deceit, adultery and high finance, which often brought Carrington into conflict with his flashy, vengeful former wife, Alexis Colby, played to the hilt by Joan Collins.
Forsythe was an important part of another hit Spelling series without being seen. From 1976 to 1981 he played the voice of Charlie, the boss who delivered assignments to his beautiful detectives via telephone in “Charlie’s Angels.”
Forsythe evidenced little of the ego drive that motivates many actors. He viewed himself with a self-effacing humor, considering himself “a vastly usable, not wildly talented actor.”
In a 1981 interview, he said: “I figure there are a few actors like Marlon Brando, George C. Scott and Laurence Olivier who have been touched by the hand of God. I’m in the next bunch.”