Fred Gwynne Death Date: The Day Fans Still Remember
- 01. Key facts
- 02. Timeline of final months
- 03. Context: career and significance
- 04. Medical details and cause
- 05. Obituary excerpts and public reaction
- 06. Selected filmography (brief)
- 07. Statistical and historical context
- 08. Where he is buried
- 09. Quick reference table (concise)
- 10. Research notes and sources
Fred Gwynne died on July 2, 1993, at his farm in Taneytown, Maryland, from complications of pancreatic cancer.
Key facts
The actor Frederick Hubbard Gwynne was born July 10, 1926, in New York City and is best known for playing Herman Munster on the 1964-66 sitcom The Munsters.
- Full name: Frederick Hubbard Gwynne.
- Born: July 10, 1926, New York, New York.
- Died: July 2, 1993, Taneytown, Maryland (aged 66).
- Cause of death: Pancreatic cancer.
Timeline of final months
Gwynne received a cancer diagnosis and spent his final period at his rural Maryland farm surrounded by family and close friends.
- Early 1993 - health decline noted publicly after reduced acting appearances.
- Mid-1993 - confirmed pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment limited due to advanced stage.
- July 2, 1993 - death at home in Taneytown, Maryland.
Context: career and significance
Gwynne's long career spanned stage, television, and film; his portrayal of Herman Munster became a cultural touchstone, while later dramatic roles (including the judge in My Cousin Vinny) demonstrated wide range.
At the time of his death, obituaries emphasized both his comedic legacy and respected stage work, noting that he had been active in theater and film for over four decades.
Medical details and cause
Pancreatic cancer was reported as the cause of death, a disease with historically low five-year survival rates that were commonly below 10% in the early 1990s; such cancers are often diagnosed late due to subtle early symptoms.
Gwynne's case was publicly reported as terminal, and his passing was attributed in press notices to complications of the disease.
Obituary excerpts and public reaction
News agencies and major newspapers ran obituaries noting Gwynne's death on July 2, 1993, and quoting colleagues who highlighted his warmth and comic instincts.
Colleague tribute: "Fred will be remembered for giving us all so many hours of laughter and enjoyment," said a fellow actor in early reports.
Selected filmography (brief)
Gwynne transitioned from television fame to varied film roles; his later work affirmed his status as a character actor.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1964-1966 | The Munsters | Herman Munster. |
| 1992 | My Cousin Vinny | Judge Chamberlain Haller. |
| 1989 | Pet Sematary | Dr. Louis Creed (supporting role). |
Statistical and historical context
In 1993, reported five-year survival rates for pancreatic cancer were typically under 6-8%, reflecting the disease's poor prognosis and the limits of treatments available at the time.
Gwynne was 66 when he died; actuarial tables note that his age placed him within a demographic where late-stage diagnoses of pancreatic cancer were more frequent and outcomes poorer than for younger patients.
Where he is buried
Public records and biographies indicate Gwynne was buried after services near his Maryland residence; some local notices describe a private family interment on or shortly after July 1993.
Quick reference table (concise)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Frederick Hubbard Gwynne. |
| Date of birth | July 10, 1926. |
| Date of death | July 2, 1993. |
| Place of death | Taneytown, Maryland. |
| Cause | Pancreatic cancer. |
Research notes and sources
Primary biographical repositories and newspaper obituaries from July 1993 provide the definitive public record of Gwynne's death date and cause.
Contemporaneous reporting by major outlets summarized reactions and quoted colleagues, which helps reconstruct the public narrative around his passing.
Expert answers to Fred Gwynne Death Date queries
Was Fred Gwynne's death widely reported?
Yes, major newspapers and entertainment outlets reported his death on July 2-3, 1993, with national wire stories and obituaries highlighting both his comic and dramatic work.
What was the official cause of death?
Pancreatic cancer was listed by multiple news reports and biographies as the cause of death.
How old was Fred Gwynne when he died?
He was 66 years old at the time of his death on July 2, 1993.
Did Fred Gwynne continue acting until his death?
Gwynne's public acting credits slowed in his final years, though he remained publicly associated with earlier roles and occasional projects until health concerns curtailed further work.
Are there archival interviews about his final years?
Several contemporaneous newspaper interviews and later retrospective pieces include remarks from friends and colleagues about his last months, typically noting his preference for privacy and family care on the farm.