American actor and director Roger E. Mosley, best known for his role as the helicopter pilot Theodore “T.C.” Calvin on the 1980s hit show “Magnum, P.I.,” died at 83 years old on Sunday, his daughter announced.
Mosley reportedly died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, following a major car accident on August 4 that left him paralyzed from the shoulder down.
“He was surrounded by family as he transcended peacefully,” Ch-a Mosley said in a Facebook post. “We could never mourn such an amazing man.”
Ch-a Mosley said her father fought for his life in critical condition after the accident. The actor’s daughter said hospital staff made “every effort” to care for her father while his family and friends accompanied him.
“This is a VERY hard time for us as we all know Roger to be a lion, the king of everywhere he brought himself. He is a legend, a trailblazer, a roll [sic] model, a friend to his communities,” Ch-a said. “He is my ‘Mr. Man.'”
Mosley was born in Los Angeles on December 18, 1938. The actor grew up in Watts in the Imperial Courts housing projects and attended Jordan High School.
His acting career began in the early 1970s and continued until retiring in 2010.
From 1980 to 1988, Mosley starred with Tom Selleck in more than 150 episodes of “Magnum, P.I.,” which aired for eight seasons. In 2019, he stepped out of retirement to appear in two episodes of a reboot of the classic 80s crime-adventure series as another character, John Booky.
Mosley’s character, Theodore “T.C.” Calvin, was a former Marine veteran and helicopter pilot who would later fly helicopter tours in Hawaii and serve as a member of Magnum’s team.
Mosley became a certified helicopter pilot, although he did not perform his own stunts during the filming of the show.
Mosley also appeared on “Sanford and Son,” “Love Boat,” “Starsky and Hutch,” and dozens of other TV series.
In 1976, Mosley starred in the film “Leadbelly,” which focused on the life of folk singer Huddie Ledbetter. In a 1982 interview with Ebony magazine, Mosley said playing the part of Ledbetter was his favorite role.
Mosley also founded the Watts Repertory Company in 1974.
His daughter said Mosley would “HATE any crying done in his name.”
She said her father would show random acts of kindness to strangers doing good deeds.
“He has a little bag filled with Starbucks gift cards that he gives to people who’ve done good,” she wrote.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Antoinette “Toni,” and three children.
“It is time to celebrate the legacy he left for us all,” Ch-a wrote. “I love you daddy. You loved me too. My heart is heavy but I am strong. I will care for mommy, your love of almost 60 years.”
“You raised me well and she is in good hands,” she added. “Rest easy.”