Airwolf star Jan-Michael Vincent is dead at age 74. TMZ reports that the popular 80s television and film star died on February 10 after suffering cardiac arrest at a North Carolina hospital.
The death certificate reveals that Jan-Michael Vincent passed away while he was a patient at the hospital. No autopsy was performed and that actor was later cremated. Vincent is best known for his hit TV series Airwolf. During his run with the television series Jan-Michael at the time was the highest paid actor bringing in $200,000 per episode.
The CBS series was a huge success for both the network and Jan-Michael, however, the show only ran for a couple of seasons due to Vincent’s cocaine addiction. Vincent’s substance abuse not only took a toll on his acting career but also his health. Jan-Michael’s most recent film was back in 2002, in the movie “White Boy”.
In 2012 Jan-Michael suffered a life-threatening health crisis from an infection which required the amputation of his right leg and nearly cost the actor his life.
Vincent began his acting career appearing in classic television hits including Lassie, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke. Jan-Michael Vincents’ acting credits also include starring opposite of 70s film icon the late Burt Reynolds in Hooper, and in Hard Country alongside of Kim Basinger.
The actor led a very troubled life. He was married three times and has one daughter Amber Vincent with first wife Bonnie Poorman. Poorman and Vincent divorced after nine years of marriage. His second marriage to Joanne Robinson ended after 12-years. Robinson filed a restraining order against Jan claiming he had abused her throughout their marriage.
Jan-Michael Vincent battled alcoholism and intravenous drug use for much of his life. His addictions cost him several relationships and thousands upon thousands of dollars in hospital bills and legal fees for assault charges and numerous drunk driving accidents.
His hard partying and reckless lifestyle resulted in years of unhappiness and loneliness. We only hope that Jan-Michael Vincent has finally found the peace he deserves. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
