David Birney, the actor who played Dr. Ben Samuels in the first season of St. Elsewhere, died at 83. His career ranged from the sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie to Shakespeare onstage and historical television dramas. The exact date of his death is reported differently by the Television Academy and The Washington Post.
What is known about David Birney’s death
Birney was born April 23, 1939, and died at 83. The sources disagree on the day he died: the Television Academy lists April 29, 2022, while The Washington Post, in an obituary updated May 9, 2022, reports that he died April 27 at home in Santa Monica, California. The available accounts do not resolve the discrepancy, so neither date can be stated as definitive here.
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| 1 |
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St. Elsewhere - Season 1 | $12.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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St Elsewhere (CD+DVD) | $15.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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St. Elsewhere (UK Special Edition) | $28.04 | Buy on Amazon |
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St. Elsewhere- 1st Season (Part One) Mark Tinker, Eric Laneuville, Bruce Paltrow. - Hospital... | $40.95 | Buy on Amazon |
His daughter, Mollie Birney, told The Washington Post that the cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease.
His television roles reached beyond St. Elsewhere
Dr. Ben Samuels in St. Elsewhere
Birney played Dr. Ben Samuels in the first season of the medical drama St. Elsewhere. The Television Academy lists the series among his television credits, a role that anchors his association with the show.
#1 Best Overall
- Factory sealed DVD
Bridget Loves Bernie and other television work
Before St. Elsewhere, Birney starred opposite Meredith Baxter in Bridget Loves Bernie, a sitcom about an interfaith marriage. The Washington Post reports that the show was canceled after one season. His television work also included playing President John Quincy Adams in the PBS miniseries The Adams Chronicles and starring in the television adaptation of Serpico.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A career spanning stage, television and film
Birney’s work was not confined to television. He began his professional acting career at Virginia’s Barter Theatre and went on to perform on Broadway. His stage roles included Shakespeare characters Hamlet, Romeo, Richard III and Macbeth. On screen, his credits included the film Serpico, alongside his television work in historical drama and series television.
Rank #2
The Television Academy describes Birney as “an American actor and director.” Its biography lists both St. Elsewhere and Bridget Loves Bernie among his television credits.
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