ROSS HAGEN, the cult American actor best known for his role on the 1960's TV adventure show 'Daktari', has passed away aged 72. ROSS HAGEN passed away in Brentwood, California on 7th May 2011 following a long battle with prostate cancer, reports Variety.
The actor will also be remembered for his appearances on numerous television westerns, such as 'The Big Valley' and 'The Virginian'. Arguably his biggest role came when he starred alongside Elvis Presley in the movie 'Speedway'. Hagen played the hunter 'Bart Jason' in 'Daktari', about an animal study centre in Africa. The series followed CHERYL MILLER's character 'Paula' who frequently protected animals from poachers and local officials. Hagen went on to have a successful career in television production, and he wrote and starred in the 1973 cult comedy movie 'Bad Charleston Charlie'. The movie was loosely based on the life and death of gangster CHARLES BIRGER and also starred Carmen Zapata. His last screen appearance came in 2005 when he wrote and appeared in the mystery film 'Murder on the Yellow Brick Road', but he also voiced characters in the hit 2010 video game 'Red Dead Redemption'.
ROSS HAGEN is survived by his partner LEE SREDNICK, his son and one daughter.