Veteran actor Stanley Kamel, who portrayed Eric Peters from 1972-1976, was found dead on Tuesday, April 8 in his Los Angeles home from an apparent heart attack, according to the Los Angeles Times and various other sources. He was 65.
Kamel was born on January 1, 1943, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He made his first television appearance in the series Mission: Impossible in 1969. He acted in off-Broadway productions, but got his first big break when he landed the role of Eric Peters on DAYS in 1972. Long-time DAYS fans may recall that his character fathered a daughter, Annie Peters, with Susan Hunter Martin.
Kamel appeared in numerous other television series and movies throughout the years, including Kojak, Charlie's Angels, Eight is Enough, Mork and Mindy, Cagney and Lacey, Murder One, L.A. Law, and many others. He most recently starred on the USA Network series Monk as Dr. Charles Kroger, Monk's psychiatrist.
Prime-time soap fans may notably remember him as Bruce Teller on Fox's Melrose Place, a role which got him attention in 1994 as Amanda Woodward's suicidal boss. In his last episode, Kamel's character hung himself, which horrified Amanda, played by the gorgeous and talented Heather Locklear. Kamel also gained attention in 1995 as Tony Marchette on Fox's prime-time soap Beverly Hills 90210. His character, Tony, was a scheming father-in-law who put a hit out on Dylan McKay, played by Luke Perry. Unfortunately, Tony's daughter got caught in the crossfire and was killed instead.
USA Network released the following statement: "Stanley was an amazingly talented and extremely kind man, and an important member of the USA family. He will be sorely missed."
Heartfelt condolences go out to Stanley Kamel's family and friends during this difficult and sad time.
Neilson Barnard / 2008 Getty Images
Comments
I remember Stanley Kamel very well from DOOL. I was so pleased to see him on Monk–he was perfect. He really was a great character actor.
I have a question instead of a comment. Did Stanley Kamel play Julie’s brother?
Hi Patsy,
Steven Olson was Julie’s brother on the show, and he was portrayed by three different actors:
Flip Mark, from 1965 – 1966, James Carroll Jordan in 1972, and
Stephen Schnetzer from 1978 – 1980.
Peter Brown portrayed Greg Peters, Eric’s brother. I hope that answers your question.
Gwen
Stanley was an excellent actor….I remember him well from “Days”. “Monk” has lost an asset. My prayers and thoughts to family, friends.
I can’t seem to place him for some reason could someone kind of tell me a little about his character,and who he was connected with, which family and all i would really appreciate it
This is sad news. Stanely was an excellent character actor. Usually these things come in threes. Last week it was Charlton Heston!
It is my favorite show and, sadly, Monk will never be the same…
Hi Christy,
I wrote an FAQ about Eric Peters for you. I’m sorry it took me a few days to respond to you, but I had this on my “to-do” list. I hope this answers your question.
http://daysofourlives.about.com/od/daysfaqs/f/EricPetersFAQ.htm
Stanley Kamel(Eric Peters) was an extremely great actor. If I remember right I think he played in Another World at one time. Am I correct? Seems the Good Lord calls the good ones home. He’ll be missed as it has been two years gone by and my heart felt feelings still go out to the family. Blessed be. Been a fan for more that 40 years and we keep losing the great ones on the show. God bless them all and may they be together in Heaven rehearsing the Big Show for all of us when we get there.