‘Billy the Kid’ fame Geoffrey Deuel passes away at 81

Veteran actor Geoffrey Deuel, popular for his portrayal as Billy the Kid in the 1970 John Wayne vehicle ‘Chisum,’ has passed away. He breathed his last at the age of 81 in hospice care in Largo, Florida.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Geoffrey Deuel’s wife Jacqueline Deuel confirmed that the iconic star passed away on December 22. He was battling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but unfortunately couldn’t survive.

Born in Lockport, New York, on Jan. 17, 1943, Geoffrey Deuel came from a family of medical professionals. His father, Ellsworth, was a doctor, and his mother, Lillian, was a nurse. In the 60-70s, Geoffrey Deuel gained fame with his several television shows. The list of his popular acting works includes ‘The Monkees,’ ‘The Invaders,’ ‘The FBI,’ ‘The Mod Squad,’ ‘The Flying Nun,’ ‘Mannix,’ ‘Adam-12,’ ‘Medical Center,’ ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘The Streets of San Francisco,’ ‘Ironside,’ and ‘Cannon and The Young’ among others.

He didn’t leave behind his academics for acting. In the 1980s, he worked in plays in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood. Thereafter, he returned to school to complete his master's degree from the University of South Florida. He even worked as a substitute teacher for years.

The veteran star is survived by his wife Jacqueline Deuel. They two had a four-decade-long relationship, after which he got married to her in 2017. In addition to her, Geoffrey is survived by his younger sister, Pamela.