Actor Bill Daily of 'I Dream of Jeannie' dies at at 91

Credit: Kevin Winter

Credit: Kevin Winter

Bill Daily, the actor best known for playing Major Roger Healey in the sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie,” has died at age 91 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Variety reported that Daily's son, J. Patrick Daily, confirmed the news.

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“He loved every sunset, he loved every meal — he just decided to be happy about everything,” his son said, according to the publication.

J. Patrick Daily told The Hollywood Reporter his father died of natural causes.

The late actor's spokesman, Patterson Lundquist, also confirmed the news in a post on Daily's official Facebook page, adding that he died Tuesday.

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“I can confirm that our favorite funny man Bill Daily passed on Tuesday, September 4. He was 91 years young. Bill had retired from all public life only a few years ago,” Lundquist said. “He recently moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico – his home for over 30 years - to Santa Fe, New Mexico to live with his son Patrick and family.

“Bill was best known for his two most iconic roles - Maj. Roger Healey of ‘I Dream of Jeannie,’ the girl crazy best-friend to Major Nelson; and the perpetually jet-lagged, Howard Borden of ‘The Bob Newhart Show.’

“Bill’s philosophy in life was that happiness was a decision you make. That was how he lived. Bill enjoyed every bit of his life to the fullest. There will not be a memorial service or funeral for family, friends, and fans. Instead, Bill’s final wish is to throw a party. Remember the good times and be happy.”

“I Dream of Jeannie” aired from 1965 to 1970. “The Bob Newhart Show” aired from 1972 to 1978. Daily’s other TV appearances include “Bewitched,” “The Love Boat,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” He starred in his own TV show, “Small & Frye,” in 1983.

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