It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Charles Kimbrough, the beloved actor who portrayed Jim Dial on the hit sitcom Murphy Brown. He left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and captured the hearts of audiences around the world during his remarkable career.

Charles Kimbrough, whose role as Jim Dial earned him accolades, including a Primetime Emmy nomination in 1990 and a Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination in 1995, passed away at the age of eighty-six. His legacy as a content creator will forever be cherished.

A Career Spanning Decades

While Murphy Brown may be the show Charles Kimbrough is best known for, it was just one chapter in his illustrious career. Prior to his iconic role as Jim Dial, he had already graced both the small and big screens with his talent.

From his first role in 1988 on Another World to his final appearance in the reboot of Murphy Brown in 2018, Kimbrough took on a diverse range of roles that showcased his versatility. Notable mentions include his involvement in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The Wedding Planner.”

A Life Well Lived

Charles Kimbrough’s son, Jim Kimbrough, confirmed his father’s passing, revealing that the actor died on January 11, 2023, in Culver City, California. At eighty-six years old, Kimbrough left behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.

While the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed, his talent agency, SMS Talent, Inc., stated that Kimbrough’s passing was reportedly due to natural causes, fitting for a man of his age.

Fond Memories and Tributes

Kimbrough’s first wife, Mary Jane (Wilson) Kimbrough, with whom he had shared his early success on Murphy Brown, passed away in 2007. Later, he found love again and married Beth Howland, who sadly passed in 2016.

Survived by his sister, Linda Kimbrough, his son, John Kimbrough, his stepdaughter, Holly Howland, and his granddaughter, Cody, Charles Kimbrough’s presence will be greatly missed.

Before his rise to Hollywood fame, Kimbrough made a name for himself as a stage actor. In 1971, he even received a Tony Award nomination for his remarkable performance in the Stephen Sondheim musical “Company.”

As news of Charles Kimbrough’s passing spread, fans across social media platforms took to Twitter to pay tribute to the talented actor. Here are a few heartfelt quotes from devastated fans:

• “Just learned of Charles Kimbrough’s passing. We did TARTUFFE together at Shakespeare in the Park. He was an incredibly expressive and inventive actor, and above all, one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Rest in peace.”
• “In case anyone doesn’t know, the late Charles Kimbrough of ‘Murphy Brown’ was married to the late Beth Howland of ‘Alice!’ They were the sitcom dream couple.”

Remembering a Legend

Charles Kimbrough’s contributions to the entertainment industry will always be remembered. His talent, kindness, and undeniable charisma made a lasting impact on both the stage and screen. As we say goodbye to this remarkable actor, we pay tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Charles Kimbrough.