R.I.P. Peter Donat, who played both Mannix villain and Agent Mulder's father

The former husband of Michael Learned was 90 years old.

The Everett Collection

Peter Donat came from an acting family. His uncle, British actor Robert Donat, won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1939 for his starring role in Goodbye, Mr. Chips. His younger brother, Richard, currently has a recurring role in the series Haven and has narrated some Nova documentaries.

Born in Canada and later emigrating to America, Peter Donat is perhaps best known for playing the father of Agent Fox Mulder on The X-Files. Though appearing in just a handful of episodes, Bill Mulder played a major part in the mythos of the series. He was the former partner of the Cigarette Smoking Man and worked on Operation Paper Clip, involving human-alien breeding and a DNA database. Deep X-Files stuff.

Donat's career stretched back decades. He first appeared on television in the early 1950s, on anthology series such as Kraft Theatre and The United States Steel Hour.

MeTV viewers might recognize him from his few small roles on Mannix, especially "Catspaw," in which he hypnotizes Peggy (Gail Fisher), and "Cry Danger," an episode set in San Francisco. Donat also appeared on detective shows like Hawaii Five-O ("Murder with a Golden Touch") and Harry O. He also turned up in the Charlie's Angels episode "Haunted Angels." In 1976-77, Donat landed a supporting role in Rich Man, Poor Man Book II, the sequel miniseries to one of the true ratings sensations of the decade.

In his private life, Donat had a connection to 1970s television, too. From 1956–72, he was married to Michael Learned, who played matriarch Olivia Walton on The Waltons.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Donat passed away last Monday. He was 90 years old. 

Television stars and influencers we lost in 2018

  • Burt Reynolds of 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Gunsmoke'
  • Penny Marshall, 'Laverne & Shirley' star turned blockbuster director
  • Ken Berry, star of 'Mama's Family' and 'Mayberry R.F.D.'
  • Charlotte Rae, Mrs. Garrett of 'The Facts of Life'
  • Harry Anderson of 'Night Court' and 'Cheers'
  • David Ogden Stiers, M*A*S*H star and Disney voice actor
  • Steven Bochco, creator of 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue'
  • John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'
  • Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk
  • Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul whose hits soundtracked our lives
  • Bill Daily, the comedic neighbor of 'The Bob Newhart Show'
  • Robin Leach, host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
  • Clint Walker, the towering star of 1950s Western 'Cheyenne'
  • Roy Clark, country music icon and 'Hee Haw' host
  • Neil Simon, playwright of 'The Odd Couple' and more
  • Chuck McCann, children's television host and the voice of ''I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs''
  • Hugh Wilson, creator of 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' 'Frank's Place'
  • Mickey Jones of 'Home Improvement' and 'National Lampoon's Vacation'
  • Harlan Ellison, the sci-fi writer behind the greatest Star Trek episode
  • Margot Kidder, best known as Lois Lane of 'Superman'
  • Vic Damone, legendary singer, popular entertainer and TV host
  • Doreen Tracey, original 'Mickey Mouse Club' Mousketeer
  • Billy Ray Latham, The Country Boys banjo player from 'The Andy Griffith Show'
  • Dean Webb, The Darling Boys mandolin player on The Andy Griffith Show
  • Peter Wyngarde, British actor who appeared in 'The Prisoner,' 'Flash Gordon' and a Lucy special
  • Michele Carey, model-turned-actress of 'Gunsmoke' and 'The Wild, Wild West'
  • Elmarie Wendel of 'Third Rock from the Sun'
  • Celeste Yarnall, Star Trek actress and '70s scream queen
  • Dorothy Malone, Oscar-winning actress and 'Peyton Place' star
  • Robert Dowdell of 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'
  • Robert Wolders, 'Laredo' star and longtime partner of Audrey Hepburn
  • Wayne Maunder, star of 'Custer' and 'Lancer'
  • Deanna Lund, a.k.a. Valerie Scott on 'Land of the Giants,' Anna Gram on 'Batman'
  • Jean Porter, actress from 'The Abbott & Costello Show'
  • Harry Landers, co-star on 'Ben Casey' and many beloved TV shows
  • Joseph Campanella of 'Mannix,' 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and more
  • Frank Buxton, writer, actor and director on 'The Odd Couple,' 'Happy Days'
  • Greta Thyssen, actress on 'The Three Stooges' and 'Perry Mason'
  • Tim O'Connor of 'Peyton Place,' 'Buck Rogers' and 'Wonder Woman'
  • Bradford Dillman, prominent '60s and '70s film and TV actor
  • Tom Reese, TV and movie actor known for amazing fistfights
  • Ralph Woolsey, the man who gave 'Batman' its bold, distinctive look
  • Soon-Tek Oh, memorable character actor on 'M*A*S*H,' 'Charlie's Angels,' 'Hawaii Five-O'
  • Georgann Johnson, actress whose career spanned five decades in TV and movies
  • Eunice Gayson, the first Bond girl and guest star on 'The Saint'
  • Frank Avruch, best known as Boston's Bozo the Clown
  • Jerry Maren, the last surviving Munchkin from 'The Wizard of Oz'
  • William Phipps, prolific actor who voiced Prince Charming
  • Frank Doubleday, classic TV bad guy and villain from Escape From New York
  • Allyn Ann McLerie of 'The Tony Randall Show'
  • Barbara Dodd Remsen, classic TV actress and notable casting director
  • Tim Rossovich, NFL star turned TV tough guy and character actor
  • Wright King of 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Wanted: Dead or Alive'
  • Peggy McCay, prolific TV actress who played Andy Taylor's high school flame
  • John Gavin, 'Psycho' actor who was twice almost cast as James Bond
  • Eddie Foy III, actor turned casting director on all your favorite shows
  • Nokie Edwards, lead guitarist for surf-rock icons The Ventures
  • Kitty O'Neil, 'Wonder Woman' stunt double
  • Ken Swofford, actor who appeared on 'Gunsmoke,' 'Columbo' and more
  • Frank Parker, soap star who got his start playing Gomer Pyle's biggest bully
  • Peter Donat, who played both Mannix villain and Agent Mulder's father
  • Carole Shelley of The Odd Couple's Pigeon Sisters
  • Fredd Wayne, character actor who played Benjamin Franklin on TV
  • Patricia Benoit, the bride in television's first big event wedding
  • David Landsberg of 'C.P.O. Sharkey'
  • Tab Hunter, actor and singer behind the early rock hit ''Young Love''
  • Roger Perry of 'The Facts of Life,' 'Star Trek' and more
  • Bill Loud, patriarch from the pioneering PBS documentary 'An American Family'
  • Bob Dorough, Schoolhouse Rock! composer
  • Miriam Nelson, choreographer of classic TV dance scenes
  • Doug Grindstaff, designer of Star Trek's iconic sound effects
  • Patrick Williams, Emmy-winning TV composer
  • Burt Reynolds of 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Gunsmoke'
  • Penny Marshall, 'Laverne & Shirley' star turned blockbuster director
  • Ken Berry, star of 'Mama's Family' and 'Mayberry R.F.D.'
  • Charlotte Rae, Mrs. Garrett of 'The Facts of Life'
  • Harry Anderson of 'Night Court' and 'Cheers'
  • David Ogden Stiers, M*A*S*H star and Disney voice actor
  • Steven Bochco, creator of 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue'
  • John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'
  • Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk
  • Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul whose hits soundtracked our lives
  • Bill Daily, the comedic neighbor of 'The Bob Newhart Show'
  • Robin Leach, host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
  • Clint Walker, the towering star of 1950s Western 'Cheyenne'
  • Roy Clark, country music icon and 'Hee Haw' host
  • Neil Simon, playwright of 'The Odd Couple' and more
  • Chuck McCann, children's television host and the voice of ''I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs''
  • Hugh Wilson, creator of 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' 'Frank's Place'
  • Mickey Jones of 'Home Improvement' and 'National Lampoon's Vacation'
  • Harlan Ellison, the sci-fi writer behind the greatest Star Trek episode
  • Margot Kidder, best known as Lois Lane of 'Superman'
  • Vic Damone, legendary singer, popular entertainer and TV host
  • Doreen Tracey, original 'Mickey Mouse Club' Mousketeer
  • Billy Ray Latham, The Country Boys banjo player from 'The Andy Griffith Show'
  • Dean Webb, The Darling Boys mandolin player on The Andy Griffith Show
  • Peter Wyngarde, British actor who appeared in 'The Prisoner,' 'Flash Gordon' and a Lucy special
  • Michele Carey, model-turned-actress of 'Gunsmoke' and 'The Wild, Wild West'
  • Elmarie Wendel of 'Third Rock from the Sun'
  • Celeste Yarnall, Star Trek actress and '70s scream queen
  • Dorothy Malone, Oscar-winning actress and 'Peyton Place' star
  • Robert Dowdell of 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'
  • Robert Wolders, 'Laredo' star and longtime partner of Audrey Hepburn
  • Wayne Maunder, star of 'Custer' and 'Lancer'
  • Deanna Lund, a.k.a. Valerie Scott on 'Land of the Giants,' Anna Gram on 'Batman'
  • Jean Porter, actress from 'The Abbott & Costello Show'
  • Harry Landers, co-star on 'Ben Casey' and many beloved TV shows
  • Joseph Campanella of 'Mannix,' 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and more
  • Frank Buxton, writer, actor and director on 'The Odd Couple,' 'Happy Days'
  • Greta Thyssen, actress on 'The Three Stooges' and 'Perry Mason'
  • Tim O'Connor of 'Peyton Place,' 'Buck Rogers' and 'Wonder Woman'
  • Bradford Dillman, prominent '60s and '70s film and TV actor
  • Tom Reese, TV and movie actor known for amazing fistfights
  • Ralph Woolsey, the man who gave 'Batman' its bold, distinctive look
  • Soon-Tek Oh, memorable character actor on 'M*A*S*H,' 'Charlie's Angels,' 'Hawaii Five-O'
  • Georgann Johnson, actress whose career spanned five decades in TV and movies
  • Eunice Gayson, the first Bond girl and guest star on 'The Saint'
  • Frank Avruch, best known as Boston's Bozo the Clown
  • Jerry Maren, the last surviving Munchkin from 'The Wizard of Oz'
  • William Phipps, prolific actor who voiced Prince Charming
  • Frank Doubleday, classic TV bad guy and villain from Escape From New York
  • Allyn Ann McLerie of 'The Tony Randall Show'
  • Barbara Dodd Remsen, classic TV actress and notable casting director
  • Tim Rossovich, NFL star turned TV tough guy and character actor
  • Wright King of 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Wanted: Dead or Alive'
  • Peggy McCay, prolific TV actress who played Andy Taylor's high school flame
  • John Gavin, 'Psycho' actor who was twice almost cast as James Bond
  • Eddie Foy III, actor turned casting director on all your favorite shows
  • Nokie Edwards, lead guitarist for surf-rock icons The Ventures
  • Kitty O'Neil, 'Wonder Woman' stunt double
  • Ken Swofford, actor who appeared on 'Gunsmoke,' 'Columbo' and more
  • Frank Parker, soap star who got his start playing Gomer Pyle's biggest bully
  • Peter Donat, who played both Mannix villain and Agent Mulder's father
  • Carole Shelley of The Odd Couple's Pigeon Sisters
  • Fredd Wayne, character actor who played Benjamin Franklin on TV
  • Patricia Benoit, the bride in television's first big event wedding
  • David Landsberg of 'C.P.O. Sharkey'
  • Tab Hunter, actor and singer behind the early rock hit ''Young Love''
  • Roger Perry of 'The Facts of Life,' 'Star Trek' and more
  • Bill Loud, patriarch from the pioneering PBS documentary 'An American Family'
  • Bob Dorough, Schoolhouse Rock! composer
  • Miriam Nelson, choreographer of classic TV dance scenes
  • Doug Grindstaff, designer of Star Trek's iconic sound effects
  • Patrick Williams, Emmy-winning TV composer

Burt Reynolds of 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Gunsmoke'

The beloved actor passed away at the age of 82. READ MORE

Penny Marshall, 'Laverne & Shirley' star turned blockbuster director

The comedian and pioneer was 75 years old. READ MORE

Ken Berry, star of 'Mama's Family' and 'Mayberry R.F.D.'

The dancing sitcom actor was 85. READ MORE

Image: AP Photo

Charlotte Rae, Mrs. Garrett of 'The Facts of Life'

Former co-stars paid tribute to the beloved Diff'rent Strokes and Facts of Life actress. She was 92. READ MORE

Harry Anderson of 'Night Court' and 'Cheers'

He was a magician whose antics earned him the nickname Harry the Hat, a character he later shared with the masses on Cheers. READ MORE

David Ogden Stiers, M*A*S*H star and Disney voice actor

The actor behind "Winchester" died at the age of 75. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Steven Bochco, creator of 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue'

The pioneer of prestige television passed away at 74. READ MORE

Image: AP PHOTO / NICK UT

John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'

The veteran stage actor was 77. READ MORE

Image: AP Photo / Reed Saxon

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk

The Marvel icon died at 95. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul whose hits soundtracked our lives

The singer also appeared on the series Room 222. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Bill Daily, the comedic neighbor of 'The Bob Newhart Show'

He played an aviator on I Dream of Jeannie, too. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Robin Leach, host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

"Champagne wishes and caviar dreams!" READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Clint Walker, the towering star of 1950s Western 'Cheyenne'

The cowboy actor was 90 years old. READ MORE

Roy Clark, country music icon and 'Hee Haw' host

The television and recording star was 85. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Neil Simon, playwright of 'The Odd Couple' and more

The legendary playwright passed away at the age of 91. READ MORE

Image: AP Photo

Chuck McCann, children's television host and the voice of ''I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs''

The 'Far Out Space Nuts' and 'Captain Kangaroo' actor was 83. READ MORE

Hugh Wilson, creator of 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' 'Frank's Place'

The Emmy-winning writer passed away on January 14 at 74. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Mickey Jones of 'Home Improvement' and 'National Lampoon's Vacation'

On February 7, Mickey Jones passed away at the age of 76. READ MORE

Harlan Ellison, the sci-fi writer behind the greatest Star Trek episode

The author won a Hugo Award for his script for "City on the Edge of Forever." READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Margot Kidder, best known as Lois Lane of 'Superman'

The actress passed away at the age of 69. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Vic Damone, legendary singer, popular entertainer and TV host

On February 11, the entertainer passed away at the age of 89. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Doreen Tracey, original 'Mickey Mouse Club' Mousketeer

Actress Doreen Tracey passed away January 10 at the age of 74. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Billy Ray Latham, The Country Boys banjo player from 'The Andy Griffith Show'

In scenes with Andy Griffith, the star's eyes were glued to Latham's pro picking. READ MORE

Dean Webb, The Darling Boys mandolin player on The Andy Griffith Show

His memorable picking made him one of Mayberry's most darling faces. READ MORE

Peter Wyngarde, British actor who appeared in 'The Prisoner,' 'Flash Gordon' and a Lucy special

He was one of the men who inspired Austin Powers. READ MORE

Michele Carey, model-turned-actress of 'Gunsmoke' and 'The Wild, Wild West'

The actress got her big break in El Dorado. She was 75. READ MORE

Elmarie Wendel of 'Third Rock from the Sun'

The Mrs. Dubcek portrayer passed away at 89. READ MORE

Celeste Yarnall, Star Trek actress and '70s scream queen

The actress passed away on October 7 at the age of 74. READ MORE

Dorothy Malone, Oscar-winning actress and 'Peyton Place' star

On January 18, Dorothy Malone passed away at the age of 93. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Robert Dowdell of 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'

The Lieutenant Commander Chip Morton died at the age of 85. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Robert Wolders, 'Laredo' star and longtime partner of Audrey Hepburn

The Dutch actor was often typecast as a dashing lover. READ MORE

Wayne Maunder, star of 'Custer' and 'Lancer'

The 1960s Western actor was 80 years old. READ MORE

Deanna Lund, a.k.a. Valerie Scott on 'Land of the Giants,' Anna Gram on 'Batman'

The actress passed away at the age of 81. READ MORE

Jean Porter, actress from 'The Abbott & Costello Show'

The '40s and '50s starlet passed away at the age of 95 on January 13. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Harry Landers, co-star on 'Ben Casey' and many beloved TV shows

Bette Davis kickstarted an acting career that led to the 'Star Trek' finale. READ MORE

Joseph Campanella of 'Mannix,' 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and more

The accomplished actor passed away at 93. READ MORE

Frank Buxton, writer, actor and director on 'The Odd Couple,' 'Happy Days'

The multifaceted TV talent passed away on January 2 at the age of 87. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Greta Thyssen, actress on 'The Three Stooges' and 'Perry Mason'

The actress passed away on January 6 at the age of 90. READ MORE

Tim O'Connor of 'Peyton Place,' 'Buck Rogers' and 'Wonder Woman'

The prominent character actor passed away at the age of 90. READ MORE

Bradford Dillman, prominent '60s and '70s film and TV actor

We saw Dillman step into top-tier classic shows, like Wagon Train and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and returning for recurring roles on shows like Dr. Kildare and Court Martial. READ MORE

Tom Reese, TV and movie actor known for amazing fistfights

He famously duked it out with Elvis Presley, Wonder Woman, Mannix and more. READ MORE

Ralph Woolsey, the man who gave 'Batman' its bold, distinctive look

The Emmy-winning cinematographer was 104. READ MORE

Soon-Tek Oh, memorable character actor on 'M*A*S*H,' 'Charlie's Angels,' 'Hawaii Five-O'

The accomplished actor passed away on April 4 at the age of 85. READ MORE

Georgann Johnson, actress whose career spanned five decades in TV and movies

The prolific actress passed away on June 4 at the age of 91. READ MORE

Eunice Gayson, the first Bond girl and guest star on 'The Saint'

The English actress also starred in Svengoolie favorite 'Revenge of Frankenstein.' READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Frank Avruch, best known as Boston's Bozo the Clown

The host of Bozo's Big Top died at the age of 89. READ MORE

Image: WHDH-TV / YouTube

Jerry Maren, the last surviving Munchkin from 'The Wizard of Oz'

The actor also played roles on the surreal children's show Lidsville. READ MORE

Image: CBS / The Everett Collection / Warner Bros.

William Phipps, prolific actor who voiced Prince Charming

On TV, he was a Batman hood, an eerie presence in The Twilight Zone and much more. READ MORE

Frank Doubleday, classic TV bad guy and villain from Escape From New York

The actor was a master of sinister characters. READ MORE

Allyn Ann McLerie of 'The Tony Randall Show'

The actress starred on Broadway, big screen and on TV. READ MORE

Barbara Dodd Remsen, classic TV actress and notable casting director

She lit up the screen and lifted up actors like Tom Selleck and Kevin Costner. READ MORE

Tim Rossovich, NFL star turned TV tough guy and character actor

Tom Selleck's college roommate appeared on Wonder Woman, ALF, Charlie's Angels and more. READ MORE

Wright King of 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Wanted: Dead or Alive'

On November 25, the actor passed away at the age of 95. READ MORE

Peggy McCay, prolific TV actress who played Andy Taylor's high school flame

The actress is best known as Caroline Brady on Days of Our Lives. READ MORE

John Gavin, 'Psycho' actor who was twice almost cast as James Bond

The actor and diplomat passed away at the age of 86. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Eddie Foy III, actor turned casting director on all your favorite shows

You can thank him for the Monkees, Mork, Gidget and Jeannie. READ MORE

Nokie Edwards, lead guitarist for surf-rock icons The Ventures

His band took the 'Hawaii Five-O' theme song all the way to No. 4 in 1968. READ MORE

Kitty O'Neil, 'Wonder Woman' stunt double

She was once dubbed "the fastest woman in the world." READ MORE

Ken Swofford, actor who appeared on 'Gunsmoke,' 'Columbo' and more

The prolific character actor passed away at the age of 85. READ MORE

Frank Parker, soap star who got his start playing Gomer Pyle's biggest bully

The veteran TV actor was best known as Grandpa Shawn Brady on Days of Our Lives. READ MORE

Peter Donat, who played both Mannix villain and Agent Mulder's father

The former husband of Michael Learned was 90 years old. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Carole Shelley of The Odd Couple's Pigeon Sisters

The Tony-winning actress passed away at 79. READ MORE

Fredd Wayne, character actor who played Benjamin Franklin on TV

He also featured in several episodes of The Twilight Zone and Perry Mason. READ MORE

Patricia Benoit, the bride in television's first big event wedding

The Mister Peepers star passed away at 91. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

David Landsberg of 'C.P.O. Sharkey'

The actor passed away at the age of 73. READ MORE

Tab Hunter, actor and singer behind the early rock hit ''Young Love''

Hunter passed away at the age of 86. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Roger Perry of 'The Facts of Life,' 'Star Trek' and more

The actor and composer passed away at the age of 85. READ MORE

Bill Loud, patriarch from the pioneering PBS documentary 'An American Family'

The '73 doc is considered by many to be America's first reality TV show. READ MORE

Bob Dorough, Schoolhouse Rock! composer

He wrote "Three Is the Magic Number." READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Miriam Nelson, choreographer of classic TV dance scenes

Her lovely work appeared on Father Knows Best. READ MORE

Doug Grindstaff, designer of Star Trek's iconic sound effects

The sound effects guru gave us communicator bleeps, Tribble purrs and whooshing bridge doors. READ MORE

Patrick Williams, Emmy-winning TV composer

He changed how you experienced 1970s television. READ MORE

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