• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Emmy-winning 'Bosom Buddies,' 'Newhart' actor Peter Scolari dead at 66

0:19
Emmy-winning actor Peter Scolari dies at 66
Michael Tran/FilmMagic/Getty Images
ByStephen Iervolino
October 22, 2021, 8:37 PM

Actor Peter Scolari, who played Tom Hanks' roommate in "Bosom Buddies," has died after a battle with cancer.

Related Articles

In Memoriam: Notable people who died in 2021

Ellen Lubin Sanitsky at Wright Entertainment confirmed the news to ABC News. Scolari, who also starred in "Newhart" and "Girls," was 66.

The veteran of stage and screen played Henry Desmond opposite Hanks' Kip Wilson in "Bosom Buddies," a show about two friends who could only find an affordable apartment in a woman's dormitory, leading them to take on the personas of the female characters Hildegarde and Buffy, respectively. The show ran on ABC from 1980 to 1982.

Scolari then landed a role on Bob Newhart's series "Newhart," which ran from 1982 to 1990. He played an uptight TV producer, and earned three Emmy nominations in the process.

Peter Scolari arrives at HBO's Post Emmy Awards reception held at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles.
Michael Tran/FilmMagic/Getty Images

In 2016, the actor took home an Emmy for his guest turn in HBO's "Girls" as the on-screen father of the show's star and creator Lena Dunham.

Over the years, Scolari remained close with Hanks, who cast him in his 2006 directorial debut, "That Thing You Do!" and the pair also reunited on the stage in the 2013 Nora Ephron play "Lucky Guy."

Scolari also appeared on a host of other TV shows, most recently in a recurring role as Bishop Thomas Marx in the supernatural CBS series "Evil."

Scolari, who was married three times, is survived by his wife, Tracy Shayne, and his four children.

Up Next in Culture—

Teddy Swims talks Coachella performance, his love of live music

April 23, 2026

Prince William, Kate Middleton's son Prince Louis turns 8

April 23, 2026

Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine

April 23, 2026

Why expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza won't be at the NFL Draft

April 23, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News