‘Lou Grant’ Actor Jack Bannon Dies @ 77

Jack Bannon, who appeared on Lou Grant as Art Donovan from 1977-1982, has died at 77, THR reports.

The actor, married to John Travolta's (b. 1954) older sister, actress Ellen Travolta (b. 1940), since 1983,  had been living in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. No cause of death was specified.

Bannon was the son of western actor Jim Bannon (1911-1984) and radio and TV star Bea Benaderet (1906-1968) of Petticoat Junction (1963-1969) fame.

Bannon's famous parents

Along with Lou Grant, he guest-starred on numerous TV shows from the mid-'60s on, including Green Acres (1965 & 1966), The Andy Griffith Show (1968), Here's Lucy (1968), The Beverly Hillbillies (five appearances, 1964-1969) and his mother's show, Petticoat Junction (15 appearances, 1963-1969).

Bannon (far R) with his Lou Grant castmates (Image via CBS)

He was a series regular on the short-lived Trauma Center (1983); had recurring roles on Knots Landing (1984), Falcon Crest (1985), St. Elsewhere (1982-1986), Hunter (1986-1988), Santa Barbara (1988), Dynasty (1988), and more; and at the time of his death had just shot a feature starring Jane Seymour (b. 1951) and Parker Stevenson (b. 1952) entitled Mistrust (2018).

Bannon was also active in the theater in Coeur d'Alene.

Ellen Travolta Bannon & Jack Bannon (Image via handout)

He is survived by his wife, stepchildren, sister and brother-in-law, two nieces and a nephew.

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