Original ‘Magnum P.I.’ Cast members Who Passed Away — John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, More

The original 80s “Magnum P.I.” series was a cultural phenomenon that graced the airwaves for nearly a decade, captivating audiences with its tropical setting and charismatic characters.

Though “Magnum P.I.” concluded after eight seasons, its legacy endures. While some of its stars continue to thrive in the industry, others have passed away, leaving behind an indelible mark.

The show chronicled the adventures of Hawaii-based private investigator Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, and aired from 1980 to 1988.

Selleck, 78, took responsibility for the show’s end and stated, “I was the guy causing the divorce. I’d done the number one movie [Three Men and a Baby] in the U.S., and I wanted to have a family.”

In February, Selleck and Larry Manetti, who starred as Orville “Rick” Wright, enjoyed a mini-reunion on “Blue Bloods,” in which Selleck also starred.

Though some of the original cast still appear healthy and blessed with longevity, others are sadly no longer with us.

Before Kwan Hi Lim’s long acting career, which he pursued without any formal training, he practiced law starting in 1952. After “Magnum P.I.” ended, Lim served as a Family Court per-diem judge for several years.

After retiring, he lived in a four-story apartment building he owned in Makiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, with his wife, Lila. A Screen Actors Guild member, Lim received calls for roles but didn’t miss acting. He passed away on December 22, 2008, and was cremated according to his wishes.

Roger E. Mosley enjoyed a prosperous career with dozens of television series appearances, including a cameo in the new “Magnum P.I.” He played a Vietnam vet and barber to whom the new T.C., portrayed by Stephen Hill, asked for advice and a haircut.

Mosley died on August 7, 2022, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after sustaining fatal injuries in a car accident near Lynwood. He was 83.

John Hillerman was renowned for playing snooty characters, notably the fastidious estate caretaker Jonathan Higgins on “Magnum P.I.” He won an Emmy Award as Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1987 for this role following four consecutive nods.

Hillerman passed away on November 9, 2017, in his home in Texas. Though the cause of his death remained a question initially, reports later revealed that he suffered from hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

Jeff MacKay played various characters, including Lieutenant McReynolds, Jim ‘Mac’ Bonnick, a news reporter, and a coroner. He also portrayed McReynolds in different episodes.

McKay, who got his Screen Actors Guild Card with a role in “All the President’s Men” with the help of his cousin and prolific actor Robert Redford, passed away on August 22, 2008, at 60. His father and two brothers survived him.

Glenn Cannon portrayed Dr. Ibold and Dr. Bernard Kessler in various episodes of “Magnum, P.I.” He debuted as Dr. Bernard Kessler in Season 1, Episode 7.

Beyond his Hollywood career, Cannon’s true passion was teaching theatre at the University of Hawaii and directing 163 plays at Kennedy and other local community theaters. He was actively involved until his passing on April 20, 2013, at age 80, surrounded by friends and family.