LOS ANGELES — Roger E. Mosley, best known for his role as helicopter pilot Theodore “TC” Calvin on the CBS television series “Magnum PI,” passed away early Sunday morning. He was 83 years old. No further details about Mosley’s death were available.
Mosley’s daughter confirmed the news of his death via a tribute on her Facebook.
“Roger E. Mosley, my father, your friend, your ‘coach Mosley’ your ‘TC’ from Magnum PI, passed away at 1:17 a.m.,” she wrote. “He was surrounded by family when he peacefully transcended. We could never mourn such a wonderful man. He would hate to cry in his name. It’s time to celebrate the legacy he left for all of us. I love you, daddy. You loved me too. My heart is heavy, but I am strong. I will take care of Mama, your love of almost 60 years. You raised me well and she is in good hands. Rest in peace.”
The actor was known for his role alongside Tom Selleck in the original 1980s series “Magnum PI.” In all, Mosley starred in 158 episodes and made a cameo in the rebooted 2018 CBS series as the hairdresser of the character he came from, TC
Born on December 18, 1938 in Los Angeles, Mosley grew up in Watts and attended Jordan High School. In 1971, he started acting in film by playing small roles in ‘Cannon’ and ‘Longstreet’. He then went on to play Monk in “Terminal Island,” alongside Phyllis Davis and his soon-to-be co-star Selleck.
After a number of roles in the late 1970s, Mosley began his time on “Magnum, PI” as Theodore “TC” Calvin, a helicopter pilot who operated a tourist charter company called “Island Hoppers”. His character often appeared alongside Orville “Rick” Wright, played by Lawrence Francis Manetti. Mosley also directed and wrote an episode of the original series.
In addition to “Magnum, PI,” Mosley was also seen in the shows “Love Boat,” “Night Gallery,” “Sanford and Son,” “Kung Fu,” “Kojak,” “McCloud,” “The Rockford Files,” The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams’, ‘Starsky and Hutch’, ‘You Take the Kids’, ‘Night Court’, ‘Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper’, ‘Walker’, ‘Texas Ranger’, ‘Rude Awakening’ ” , “Las Vegas” and “Fact Checkers Unit.”
On the movie side, Mosley is credited for his work on Blaxploitation films such as “The Mack,” “Hit Man,” “Sweet Jesus,” “Preacherman,” “Darktown Strutters,” and “The River Niger.” He also played one of the lead roles in the 1979 TV movie ‘The Jericho Mile’, Michael Mann’s feature film debut.
Mosley leaves behind his partner, Toni Laudermick, and three children.