Melrose Place star Brad Johnson dead at 62: Actor from Spielberg’s Always passed away from COVID

✔ Fact Checked by TDPel News Desk

By Samantha Allen

Published: June 3, 2022 | 3:14 PM

Brad Johnson, who starred in Steven Spielberg’s Always, dies of COVID at the age of 62.

Brad Johnson, who played a supporting role in Steven Spileberg’s successful drama Always, died at the age of 62 from COVID-19 complications.

Johnson died on February 18 in Fort Worth, Texas, according to his spokeswoman Linda McAlister.

In an obituary, his relatives stated, “He was a true renaissance man.” ‘He was not just interested in, but also gifted in, all life had to offer.’

‘Despite the fact that he was taken far too soon, he enjoyed life to the fullest.’

He was a force to be reckoned with. Brad was a true friend, a trustworthy colleague, and a loving husband and father who will never be forgotten, and his legacy will go on.’

In the mid-80s, the former rodeo cowboy landed his big break as the famed ‘Marlboro Man’ cigarette mascot, which brought him to Spielberg’s attention.

Johnson died on February 18 in Fort Worth, Texas , his representative Linda McAlister told The Hollywood Reporter

Johnson, pictured in black and white on the set of his first big film, 1991's Always directed by Steven Spielberg

Johnson also famously recurred as Dr. Dominick O'Malley in the hit Fox drama Melrose Place

Johnson's family business posted this tribute to him on Facebook in March. Away from acting, he built a hunting lodge in New Mexico, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and also worked restoring old rifles and selling ranch real estate in North Texas

Johnson also had a recurring role in the hit Fox drama Melrose Place as Dr. Dominick O’Malley.

A recurrent appearance on CSI, the Kirk Cameron-starring Christian film Left Behind, and the syndicated TV series Soldier of Fortune, Inc. are among his other notable roles.

His most recent role, according to his IMDb page, is in the 2015 cowboy film Nail 32.

Johnson was born in Tucson, Arizona, on October 24, 1959, to a horse dealer father.

Johnson began his career as a professional rodeo cowboy in 1984 before becoming a Marlboro cigarette and Calvin Klein pitchman.

After a brief appearance on CBS’s megahit Dallas, he appeared in films including 1989’s Nam Angels before landing a role in Steven Spielberg’s hit Always.

Johnson has been mainly absent from film and television in recent years, but he has kept busy with other endeavors.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, he built a hunting lodge in New Mexico and also worked restoring vintage weapons and marketing ranch real estate in North Texas.

Johnson and his family at the premiere of the Kirk Cameron-starring religious film Left Behind

Brad Johnson with wife Laurie and son Shane as they attend the Grand Opening of the New Universal Studios Theme Park Ride - E.T. Adventure in 1991

Johnson (left) on the set of the 1991 John Milius film Flight of the Intruder with co-stars Danny Glover and Willem Defoe

Last year, Johnson was set to star in a Western called Treasure Valley, but the film’s writer and star died just as filming was about to begin.

Laurie, his 35-year-old wife, and their children Shane, Bellamy, Rachel, Eliana, Eden, Rebekah, Annabeth, and William survive him.

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About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.