David Birney died at the age of 83 following a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

David Birney, a renowned actor from the 1970s best known for his memorable appearances on St Elsewhere and Bridget Loves Bernie, died at the age of 83 after succumbing to his illness.

His longtime life partner, Michele Roberge, told the press that he died on Friday at his home in Santa Monica.

Birney had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease five years ago and had been fighting it ever since. On April 29, 2022, he died of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 83.

However, the show was quickly terminated due to Jewish organisations’ objections to the on-screen depiction of a Jewish and a Catholic character’s ‘intermarriage.’

Despite the fact that their on-screen romance was cut short, Birney pursued an off-screen connection with his co-star Meredith Baxter. The pair, who were both divorced at the time, married in 1974 and had three children together. In 1989, they divorced each other.

Meredith Baxter, his ex-wife, published her memoir “Untied: A Memoir of Family, Fame, and Floundering” in 2011, in which she claimed Birney was an abusive relationship. Birney allegedly abused Meredith physically and verbally, according to her.

Birney angrily refuted the allegations, calling them “false.”

Dr. Ben Samuels was another of Birney’s memorable roles on St Elsewhere. He was a regular cast member for one season before leaving to pursue a Broadway role in Amadeus.

Birney had a great career in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in films such as Family, The Love Boat, Glitter, and Seal Morning.

He appeared in projects such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Live Shot, and Murder, She Wrote in the 1990s.

His most recent credit role was in Leslie Warwick’s television series Without A Trace, which aired in 2007.

Michele Roberge, David Birney’s longtime life companion, survives him. He has three kids and two stepkids.

It’s difficult to hear about the death of a well-known star. David Birney, may you rest in peace. Also, prayers for his family as they go through a difficult period.