g a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

3 Randolph Mantooth appearing as Alex Masters on  Loving  in 1995. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

After being spotted in a stage production of  Philadelphia, Here I Come,  he signed with Universal and launched his television career.

Before  Emergency!,  he appeared on series including  Ironside,   The Virginian,   Marcus Welby, M.D.,   The Bold Ones,   McCloud  and  Alias Smith and Jones. 

After the show ended, Mantooth continued acting for decades, appearing on  Dallas,   Charlie's Angels,   The Love Boat,   Criminal Minds,   Ghost Whisperer  and  Sons of Anarchy. 

He also had a lengthy run in daytime television, playing Clay Alden and later Alex Masters on  Loving,  Richard Halifax on  General Hospital,  and appearing on  One Life to Live,   As the World Turns  and  The City. 

Mantooth's  Loving  co-star Rena Sofer mourned her  dear friend  and mentor, who  took me under his wing. 

 I have so much to say about him, so much love for him that I am left speechless,  Sofer posted on Instagram on Friday night.  This man came into my life when I was 18 years old and never left. He took me under his wing as he did to most young actors he ever met. He treated me with respect and kindness but most of all friendship.

 We have been lifelong friends and I cherish every moment I had with him. He was a friend to so many, a true great friend. 

Mantooth is survived by his wife, Kristen, and his siblings, Donald and Tonya.