Geoffrey Deuel, “Chisum” and “The Young and the Restless” star, dies at 81

Geoffrey Deuel, an actor known for his work on television, including the beloved soap The Young and the Restless, and for playing Billy the Kid in John Wayne's Chisum, has died. He was 81.

Deuel's wife, Jacqueline, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died in hospice care on Dec. 22 in Largo, Fla., after struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Jacqueline also shared the news on her husband's Facebook page, writing the day after his death, "This is Jacqueline, Geoffrey’s wife. At midnight last night Geoffrey passed away and is with Peter. God took my 'knight in shining armor' gently."

Deuel's brother, Peter, who used the professional name Peter Duel, famously played Hannibal Heyes in ABC's Alias Smith and Jones. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1971 at 31.

Born on Jan. 17, 1943, Deuel was a popular fixture on television during the 1960s and '70s, with his first onscreen role being that of a pilot in an episode of 12 O'Clock High in 1966.

From there, he had stints on shows such as The Occasional Wife, The Monkees, The Invaders, The Flying Nun, Marcus Welby, M.D., Mannix, Planet of the Apes, The Mod Squad, The FBI, Mission: Impossible, The Streets of San Francisco, Ironside, Cannon and more. Daytime soap fans will recall his most notable role on television, though, as Dave Campbell on The Young and the Restless.

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On the film side, Deuel's most memorable role was also his first on the big screen. He famously played Billy the Kid in Andrew V. McLaglen’s 1970 film Chisum, which starred John Wayne as the titular John Chisum. He also starred in the films Terminal Island, The Chinese Caper, Amateur Night, and 108 Stitches in addition to several TV movies.

“Geoffrey Deuel lived a prosperous life distinguished by his notable accomplishments, the love he gave, and the love he received from those around him,” his obituary on EverLoved.com read. “His kindness, his significant contributions to the acting world, and his caring personality will forever echo in the hearts of the many lives he touched."

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"May he rest in eternal peace, knowing that his legacy will forever remain alive and cherished," the dedication continued.

Deuel is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and younger sister, Pamela, according to The Hollywood Reporter,

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