Hollywood is in mourning after it was announced that Spencer Milligan, who was best known for starring in the 1970s children’s series Land of the Lost, has passed away at the age of 86.
Milligan Passes Away
Though Milligan’s death was only just announced this week, he actually died on April 18 at his home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, according to his obituary. He was described in his obituary as a “fierce creative force– producer, writer, director, and actor.”
No cause of death has been revealed at the time of this writing.
Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman, who played Milligan’s children on Land of the Lost, have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actor.
“This is a video we didn’t want to have to make,” said Eure, 72. “We heard rumors, and finally it was confirmed. Not an easy day.”
“I’m a little speechless,” added Coleman, 62. “He was a true father to us all. Thank God we got to see him one last time and spend some really beautiful moments with him. He was a great man. I really truly believe that. He will be missed.”
Eure captioned the video by writing, “It is so hard saying goodbye to our friend and TV dad, Spencer Milligan. We love you Spencer.”
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Milligan’s Time On Land Of The Lost
Milligan was best known for playing Rick Marshall in Land of the Lost, which aired on NBC from 1974 until 1976. The show followed Rick and his children Will (Eure) and Holly (Coleman) as they find themselves caught in an earthquake and transported to an alternative universe during prehistoric times.
Milligan quit the show in 1975 after only two seasons due to a disagreement with producers. He was determined to be compensated for the show’s merchandise, including lunch boxes and toys. When producers refused, Milligan quit and never returned. The show only lasted one more season in his absence.
“We had a difference of opinion, let’s put it this way, on using my face for stuff and paying me—lunch boxes, compasses—where they were selling them and I thought it was only fair that everyone should get their fair share,” Milligan later explained in 2009.
Find out more about this in the video below.
Milligan’s Later Life
Milligan would go on to make guest appearances on shows like Gunsmoke, The Bionic Woman, Alice, The Dukes of Hazzard and Quincy, M.E. His final acting role was a seven episode stint on the soap opera General Hospital in 1987.
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After that, Milligan moved back to his hometown in Wisconsin. There, he spent the rest of his life teaching stage classes and directing plays.
“His commitment to his community and his love for theatre were evident in these efforts, and his impact will be felt for years to come,” the obituary said.
Milligan is survived by his wife Kerry, who he’d been married to since 1992. He is also survived by three godchildren, each of him affectionately referred to him as Kunk.
Please join us in saying a prayer for Milligan’s loved ones during this difficult time.
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