Summary
The beloved sitcomTaxiaired its first episode over 45 years ago, back in 1978, and in the years since, a few cast members have passed away, including J. Alan Thomas. The series, which would run for five seasons and conclude in 1982, centered around a group of New York City taxi cab drivers and their obnoxious dispatcher. Several of the main cast became huge stars, including Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, and Marilu Henner. An acclaimed series,Taxiwon the Emmy for Best Comedy Series for its first three seasons.
In addition to its talented main cast,Taxialso featured many memorable guest stars, some of whom, like Ruth Gordon, would win Emmys for their role. A-list actors like Tom Hanks and Martin Short had memorable guest appearances as Reverend Jim’s college roommate and a TV network executive, respectively, while some celebrities, like Penny Marshall, even played themselves. Whether a lead or a guest star, there wasn’t a weak actor among theTaxicast, and those who have passed away are deeply missed.
J. Alan Thomas As Jeff Bennett
Date Of Birth: June 30, 2025
Actor:J. Alan Thomaspassed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 56. ThoughTaxiwas Thomas' biggest role, he also appeared inThe Tracey Ullman ShowandCheers. His film credits include playing Millington inThrow Momma from the Train(1987) opposite hisTaxico-star, Danny Devito,and himself in Jim Carrey’sMan on the Moon, which was Thomas' final role.
Man on the Moon(1999)
Throw Momma from the Train(1987)
Millington
Character:J. Alan Thomas playedJeff Bennett, Louie’s beleaguered assistant dispatcher, inTaxi, for 70 of the show’s 114 episodes. Initially a background character with limited dialogue, Thomas' role increased and he became more of a supporting player. Jeff was prominently featured in the season 5 episode, “Crime and Punishment”, in which Louie wrongfully accuses him of stealing car parts and selling them on the black market, a crime Louie himself was committing.
Jeff Conaway As Bobby Wheeler
Date Of Birth: August 06, 2025
Actor:Jeff Conawaypassed away on June 18, 2025, at the age of 60due to various causes. Conaway’s other most notable role was bad boy Kenickie inGrease. He also starred inBabylon 5as Zack Allan.
Marcie’s father
Grease(1976)
Kenickie
Character:InTaxi, Jeff Conaway playedBobby Wheeler, an aspiring actor who often faced setbacks in his pursuit of stardom, for 69 episodes. Throughout four seasons, Conaway portrayed Bobby’s struggles with both stage and screen performances, capturing his blend of ambition and charm. Although Conaway left the series at the end of season 3, he made a final appearance in season 4’s 12th episode, “Bobby Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” providing a memorable and poignant conclusion to his character’s arc.
Jack Gilford As Joe Reiger
Date Of Birth: June 19, 2025
Actor:Jack Gilford passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 81 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Gilford’s other notable roles include Phil Greene inSave the Tiger, for which he earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination, and Bernie inCocoon, a role he reprised in the sequel,Cocoon: The Return.
Save the Tiger(1973)
Phil Greene
Character:Jack Gilford portrayed Joe Reiger, Alex’s father, onTaxi.Joe is depictedas having a strained relationship with his son, a dynamic that is explored in depth in Gilford’s two episodes, season 2, episode “Honor Thy Father” and season 4, episode 6, “Like Father, Like Son”. This complex father-son relationship added significant emotional depth to the series.
Marcia Wallace As Herself
Date Of Birth: August 25, 2025
Actress:Marcia Wallace passed away on August 05, 2025, at the age of 70. The cause of death was pneumonia and breast cancer. Though not a household name, Wallace had a prolific television career, famously voicing elementary school teacher Edna Krabappel onThe Simpsons, a role which won her an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance. Wallace also starred inThe Bob Newhart Showas Carol Kester and guest-starred in four episodes ofFull Houseas Mrs. Carruthers.
The Bob Newhart Show(1972-1978)
Carol Kester
Character:Wallace hada memorable guest appearance as herself inTaxi’s season 5 premiere, “Love Un-American Style.“In the episode, Wallace goeson a blind date with Reverend Jim, a devoted fan ofThe Bob Newhart Show. Wallace’s appearance added a humorous crossover element to the episode.
Taxi
Cast
Taxi is a sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1983, set in a New York City taxi garage. The series follows the lives of the cab drivers and their harried dispatcher, Louie De Palma (Danny DeVito). The ensemble cast includes Judd Hirsch as the level-headed Alex Reiger, Marilu Henner as Elaine Nardo, Tony Danza as Tony Banta, and Christopher Lloyd as the eccentric Reverend Jim Ignatowski.
