STANLEY KAMEL

IN LOVING MEMORY

JANUARY 1, 1943-APRIL 8, 2008
     Stanley Kamel, who played Eric Peters on "Days of Our Lives" from 1972-1976, and who had played Monk's psychiatrist, Charles Kroger, on "Monk" since 2002, has died. Kamel was found dead by his agents in his Hollywood home of an apparent heart attack on April 8, 2008. He was 65.
     Kamel was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on January 1, 1943 and raised in South River, New Jersey. He first got the acting bug at the age of four. He attended Rutgers Preparatory School and later graduated from the Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts. Kamel moved to New York and studied drama under famed acting coach Sandy Meisner. He started his acting career in some off-Broadway productions and soon moved to California and joined Screen Gems' New Talent Program. Kamel made his first television appearance on "Mission: Impossible" in 1969. His first big break came in January 1972, when he joined the cast of "Days of Our Lives" as Eric Peters. His character fathered a daughter, Annie, with Susan Martin and they left Salem together in 1976.
     After leaving "Days", Kamel continued to appear in supporting roles in numerous films and television series. Some of his more notable roles came as an AIDS-inflicted lawyer on "L.A. Law", as a doctor on "Murder One", as a suicidal boss on "Melrose Place", and as Dylan's father-in-law on "Beverly Hills, 90210." For the past six years he had played Adrian Monk's psychiatrist on the hit USA Network series "Monk."
     In a 1974 article, Kamel stated: "I used to be more concerned with living for tomorrow, in a kind of fantasy world where I wasn't really aware of what was going on around me. Now I like to think I live for today. I live life for what it is. I am responsible for my own life. It took me a long time to learn who I am. And I keep learning."
     "Monk" star Tony Shalhoub released this statement: "Stanley Kamel's consumate talent and professionalism was only surpassed by his warmth, humor and generosity of spirit. I will miss him terribly." USA Network's statement read: “USA is deeply saddened by the news of Stanley Kamel's passing. Stanley was an amazingly talented and extremely kind man, and an important member of the USA family. He will be sorely missed." Kamel is survived by his brothers, Stephen and Robert; five nieces and nephews; and six grand nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, April 13, at Rezem Funeral Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Burial was at Anshe Emeth Cemetery in East Brunswick.
Stan with Dick DeCoit (Mike) and writer Bill Rega. 1973.
Stanley with Denise Alexander (Susan) and "brother" Peter Brown (Greg) in early 1973. Alexander would be replaced by Bennye Gatteys in March of that year.
A promotional picture of Stanley. (1973)
Stan with Jeanne Bates, who played his mother Anne. 1973.
1973 Anniversary Party Photo: Back Row: John Lupton (Tommy), Mark Tapscott (Bob), John Clarke (Mickey), Dick DeCoit (Mike), Edward Mallory (Bill), Peter Brown (Greg), Bill Hayes (Doug), Stanley Kamel (Eric) and Patricia Barry (Addie). Front Row: Larry Delaney (Jay), Monica Gayle (Sharon), Jed Allan (Don), Suzanne Rogers (Maggie), Susan Flannery (Laura), producer Jack Herzberg, executive producer Betty Corday, Macdonald Carey (Tom), Bennye Gatteys (Susan), Susan Seaforth (Julie), Corinne Conley (Phyllis), Jeanne Bates (Anne) and Richard McMurray (Mel).
Stan with Bennye Gatteys (Susan). 1975.
1974 Anniversary Party Photo: Back Row: Patricia Barry (Addie), Edward Mallory (Bill), Jeanne Bates (Anne), Susan Flannery (Laura), Stanley Kamel (Eric), Frances Reid (Alice), executive producer Betty Corday, Macdonald Carey (Tom), producer Jack Herzberg, Kaye Stevens (Jeri), Jed Allan (Don) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie). Front Row: Bennye Gatteys (Susan), Peter Brown (Greg), Patty Weaver (Trish), Wesley Eure (Mike), Joseph Gallison (Neil), Susan Seaforth (Julie), party guest/actor Guy Stockwell and Bill Hayes (Doug).

 

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