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Orson Bean, accomplished American actor, was killed in a “traffic-related” fatality in Venice, CA on Friday, February 7. Bean, who had a long recurring role on “Desperate Housewives” as Roy Bender, was 91 years old.
Bean also had roles in “Grace and Frankie,” “Superstore,” “Teachers,” “Another Period,” “Modern Family,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Two and a Half Men,” “7th Heaven,” “Will & Grace,” “Being John Malkovich” and more than 100 other shows and films.
Fellow “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria spoke about Bean on Instagram.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office report that Orson Bean was walking along Venice Boulevard when a vehicle coming westbound clipped him.
“The car coming westbound did not see him and clipped him and he went down,” said Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Brian Wendling. “A second vehicle was coming up, was distracted by people trying to slow him down and then looked up and then a second traffic collision occurred and that one was fatal.”
The tragic accident occurred as Bean was crossing the street toward the Pacific Resident Theatre where his wife, actress Alley Mills works. Mills is known for her role as Norma Arnold in “The Wonder Years,” Kevin Arnold’s friendly and outgoing mother.
Bean and Mills were married for 27 years.
Bean and Mills had recently been performing in a play called “Bad Habits” at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica.
Orson Bean is remembered with love and affection by his peers in the industry.
Fox News journalist and comedian Greg Gutfield wrote of Orson Bean, “He was a relentless, entertainment machine (like no other) and no one who met him didn’t come away thinking they had just met someone from another world.”
“Full Metal Jacket” star Adam Baldwin called him a “true gentleman, a brilliant performer and loving family man.”
RIP #OrsonBean just saw him give a beautiful performance @TheRuskin During intermission I caught glimpse of him pacing in the parking lot running his lines by himself, the same way he did when he was 20 probably.
— Rob Morrow (@RobMorrow_) February 8, 2020
Orson Bean was so sweet. So kind. He put me on my first TV show. Thank you Orson. RIP.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) February 8, 2020
Just heard the great actor, Orson Bean, died tragically. Really sad to hear it, he was such a warm person. I got to know him a bit when we made this short film together. Written by @johnkrasinski. About three generations of family patterns. https://t.co/7qWDerDVOg
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) February 8, 2020
Such sad news-Condolences to his family & friends. He was so deeply in love with his wife, Alley Mills-a warm, compassionate man, & a very fine actor
RIP Orson Bean https://t.co/UjpvN1QeU5— robin strasser (@robinstrasser) February 8, 2020
My HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF ORSON BEAN – who was TRAGICALLY KILLED in Venice – he was a active 91 years old- a tremendous wit and person! his daughter Susie was married to Great Andrew Breibart – Orson was SUCH A WONDERFUL SOUL – my arms around wife and grandchildren
— Robert Davi (@RobertJohnDavi) February 8, 2020
I remember Orson Bean from his regular appearances on game shows when I was a kid — and years later, giving a delightful turn in “Being John Malkovich.” He contained multitudes in his long career. #RIPOrsonBean https://t.co/ZEwjvpI1aB
— Sean P. Means (@SeanPMeans) February 8, 2020
We wish peace and healing to Alley Mills, Bean’s four children and the friends who so deeply loved the actor in this difficult time.
