BELOVED US TV star Sam Lloyd has sadly passed away.
Lloyd, who was best known for playing lawyer Ted Buckland on the hit medical comedy series Scrubs, died on Thursday evening in Los Angeles, aged 56.
His representative, Kevin Turner, confirmed the tragic news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Lloyd, who was originally from Vermont, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour last year.
News of his illness was revealed after Scrubs producer Tom Hobert and his wife Jill launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his treatment.
The campaign raised close to $160,000.
However, an update on the GoFundMe campaign page revealed back in February that Sam had been rushed to hospital after suffering swelling on his brain.
Though doctors were able to remove a tumour, there were further complications resulting in two further emergency brain surgeries.
Sam was later transferred to ICU at Cedars Sinai hospital in LA, where he was put on a “breathing tube and feeding tube”.
News of his sad passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from his Scrubs co-star.
They were led by Zach Braff, who wrote on Twitter:
Rest In Peace to one of the funniest actors I’ve ever had the joy of working with. Sam Lloyd made me crack up and break character every single time we did a scene together. He could not have been a kinder man. I will forever cherish the time I had with you, Sammy."
Rest In Peace to one of the funniest actors I’ve ever had the joy of working with. Sam Lloyd made me crack up and break character every single time we did a scene together. He could not have been a kinder man. I will forever cherish the time I had with you, Sammy. pic.twitter.com/wwyvGNbveG
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) May 1, 2020
Fellow co-star and character actor Robert Maschio also posted a warm tribute to his late colleague, posting a picture of them together alongside the message: “Simpler times, happier days, the kindest man I ever met. ‘Easy going Sam, Rest In Peace. #RIPSamLloyd.”
Simpler times, happier days, the kindest man I ever met. Easy going Sam, Rest In Peace. #RIPSamLloyd pic.twitter.com/zuXyXi19sI
— Robert Maschio (@robertmaschio) May 1, 2020
Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence, meanwhile wrote: "Spent the night watching clips of Sam (The songs! The greatest sweaty pratfall of all time!) Those who reached out, our “Scrubs family” appreciates it - he had the biggest heart of all of us. But now send all those good thoughts to his family. And to your own loved ones."
Thinking a lot about Sam Lloyd today. (Ted). Truly such a kind, sweet guy. He will be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/JRzlLKhqHB
— Bill Lawrence (@VDOOZER) May 1, 2020
A regular and much loved character on Scrubs, Sam enjoyed a raft of appearances across some of America’s best loved comedies of the past few decades with credits on Spin City, Seinfeld, Desperate Housewives, Shameless, Modern Family and Happy Together.
He also racked up an impressive film resume that includes parts in Galaxy Quest and Flubber.
A warm, funny and talented man, he is survived by his wife Vanessa and son Weston, who was born in 2019.
