Roger E. Mosley dead: TC on ‘Magnum PI’ was 83

Roger E. Mosley, best known for his role as helicopter pilot Theodore “TC” Calvin on the CBS television series “Magnum PI,” died early Sunday morning. He was 83 years old. Further details on Mosley’s death are not available at this time.

Mosley’s daughter confirmed the news of his death through a tribute post on her Facebook.

“Roger E. Mosley, my father, your friend, your ‘Coach Mosley’, your ‘TC’ from Magnum PI, died at 1:17 am,” she wrote. “He was surrounded by his family as he peacefully transcended. We could never mourn the loss of such an amazing man. He would hate any crying on his behalf. It’s time to celebrate the legacy he left for all of us. I love you daddy. you loved me too My heart is heavy but I am strong. I will take care of mom, your love of almost 60 years. You raised me well and she is in good hands. Sleep calmly.”

The actor is best known for his role opposite Tom Selleck in the 1980s original series Magnum PI. In all, Mosley starred in 158 episodes and made a cameo appearance in the 2018 reboot of the show’s CBS series as the hairdresser for his character, TC

Mosley was born on December 18, 1938 in Los Angeles, grew up in Watts and was a student at Jordan High School. In 1971 he began film acting, playing small roles in Canon and Longstreet. He then starred opposite Phyllis Davis and his future co-star Selleck Monk in Terminal Island.

After a series of roles in the late 1970s, Mosley began his tenure on Magnum, PI as Theodore “TC” Calvin, a helicopter pilot who ran a tourist charter company called Island Hoppers. His character often appeared alongside Orville “Rick” Wright, played by Lawrence Francis Manetti. Mosley also directed and wrote an episode of the original series.

In addition to “Magnum, PI”, Mosley also appeared in the shows “Love Boat”, “Night Gallery”, “Sanford and Son”, “Kung Fu”, “Kojak”, “McCloud”, “The Rockford Files”. The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, Starsky and Hutch, You Take the Kids, Night Court, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Walker, Texas Ranger, Rude Awakening”. ‘, ‘Las Vegas’ and ‘Fact Checkers Unit’.

On the film side, Mosley is credited for his work on blaxploitation films such as The Mack, Hit Man, Sweet Jesus, Preacherman, Darktown Strutters, and The River Niger. He also starred in the 1979 TV movie The Jericho Mile, Michael Mann’s big screen debut.

Mosley is survived by his partner Toni Laudermick and three children.