Peter Brown, the actor who captured hearts as the youthful and enthusiastic Deputy Johnny McKay in the popular ABC series Lawman (1958-62), has died at the age of 80. His career spanned across decades, encompassing Westerns, soap operas, and film, leaving a lasting mark on television history.
Brown, celebrated for his role as a Texas Ranger in NBC’s Laredo, another iconic TV Western, passed away on Monday at his home in Phoenix. His wife, Kerstin, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the cause of death was Parkinson’s disease.
While Peter Brown was beloved for his heroic roles, he also demonstrated his range as an actor by taking on more complex characters. In the 1974 film Foxy Brown, he played a villainous character who meets a gruesome fate at the hands of Pam Grier’s vengeful protagonist. This role showcased his willingness to step outside of typecasting and explore darker roles.
From 1972 to 1979, Actor Peter Brown endeared himself to daytime audiences as Dr. Greg Peters on NBC’s Days of Our Lives. His career in soap operas continued with appearances in The Young and the Restless, Loving, One Life to Live, and The Bold and the Beautiful, solidifying his presence in the world of daytime television.
During the golden age of Westerns on television, Lawman stood out, and Peter Brown’s portrayal of Johnny McKay was a key element of its success. The series, one of Warner Bros.’ numerous productions at the time, featured Brown as Johnny, an orphan who becomes a deputy under Marshal Dan Troop (John Russell) in Laramie, Wyoming, set in the 1880s.
Reflecting on the role, actor Peter Brown once noted, “The role ‘came naturally to me.’ My character was not a big stretch; he was a pretty nice kid who was adept at what he did and was eager to learn. Johnny liked girls and guns and all the things Peter Brown liked.” This personal connection to the character resonated with audiences and contributed to the show’s lasting appeal.
Brown’s affinity for the Western genre continued when he returned in Laredo. In this hour-long action-comedy, he played the resourceful Chad Cooper for two seasons (1965-67). Interestingly, the show itself originated as a pilot episode within The Virginian series, highlighting the interconnectedness of Western television at the time.
Born in Manhattan, actor Peter Brown’s journey to Hollywood began with a cross-country move to the West Coast with his family. He honed his craft at UCLA, studying acting and preparing for his future career. Legend has it that a chance encounter with studio head Jack Warner at a gas station paved the way for his Warner Bros. contract, marking the start of his professional acting journey.
Before landing his breakthrough role in Lawman, actor Peter Brown gained valuable experience with smaller roles in Warner Bros. films such as Too Much, Too Soon (1958), Darby’s Rangers (1958), Onionhead (1958), Marjorie Morningstar (1958), and The Young Philadelphians (1959). These early roles helped him develop his skills and gain recognition within the industry.
After his time at Warner Bros., Brown signed with Universal Studios in 1964, marking a new phase in his career. That year, he appeared in three films: A Tiger Walks, Kitten With a Whip, alongside Ann-Margret, and Ride the Wild Surf, showcasing his versatility across different film genres.
Throughout his extensive career, actor Peter Brown’s filmography includes appearances in Summer Magic (1963), Chrome and Hot Leather (1971), Piranha (1972), The Messenger (1986), and The Wedding Planner (2001). He also made guest appearances on numerous popular television shows, including Wagon Train, Mission: Impossible, The Bob Newhart Show, Police Woman, Dallas, Knight Rider, and JAG, demonstrating his enduring presence on television screens.
Peter Brown married Kerstin, his fifth wife, in 2008. He is survived by Kerstin, his children Joshua, Matt, and Christi, their spouses, and three grandchildren. His legacy as a versatile and beloved actor will live on through his extensive body of work.
