9 Stars From Two and a Half Men Who Are No Longer With Us

9 Stars From Two and a Half Men Who Are No Longer With Us

Two and a Half Men entertained audiences for twelve seasons with its irreverent humor and memorable characters. Beyond the main cast, the show featured numerous guest stars who left lasting impressions on viewers. Sadly, several actors who graced the Malibu beach house set have passed away since their appearances. Let’s remember these talented performers who contributed to the show’s success but are no longer with us.

1. Conchata Ferrell

The heart and soul of Charlie’s beach house, Conchata Ferrell portrayed the no-nonsense housekeeper Berta for all twelve seasons. Her razor-sharp wit and perfect comedic timing made her an instant fan favorite.

Appearing in over 200 episodes, Ferrell’s character often stole scenes with her sarcastic one-liners and unfiltered commentary on the Harper brothers’ chaotic lives. Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Ferrell passed away in October 2020 at age 77 following complications from a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable television moments.

2. Carl Reiner

Comedy legend Carl Reiner brought his immense talent to Two and a Half Men as Marty Pepper, an aging Hollywood producer who dated Charlie and Alan’s mother Evelyn. His appearances across multiple seasons showcased his impeccable comedic instincts even in his later years.

Reiner’s character perfectly matched Evelyn’s manipulative energy, creating a delightfully toxic power couple that provided plenty of laughs. His decades of experience in television comedy shone through in every scene.

The entertainment pioneer passed away in June 2020 at the remarkable age of 98, concluding a career that spanned seven decades and influenced generations of comedians.

3. Harry Dean Stanton

In the season two premiere, character actor Harry Dean Stanton made a short but striking appearance as himself. During a men’s support group at Charlie’s, his deadpan insights fit seamlessly with the show’s humor.

Though his screen time was limited, Stanton’s distinctive presence and gravelly voice made an immediate impact. His cameo represented the show’s knack for securing impressive guest stars who could elevate even small roles.

Stanton passed away in September 2017 at age 91 after a remarkable career spanning six decades, appearing in classics like Alien, The Godfather Part II, and Twin Peaks.

4. Cloris Leachman

As Norma, Charlie’s rich neighbor with a soft spot for Alan, Emmy and Oscar winner Cloris Leachman delivered a guest performance in season three that blended sharp comedy with genuine emotional depth.

Leachman’s character created an awkward situation when Alan initially dates her for money but then must navigate her growing affection. The legendary actress infused Norma with both humor and pathos, creating a multi-dimensional character in limited screen time.

Leachman died in January 2021 at age 94, ending a pioneering career that included iconic roles in Young Frankenstein, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and countless other classics.

5. Eddie Van Halen

Guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen delivered one of the show’s most unexpected and hilarious cameos in the season seven premiere. Emerging from Charlie’s bathroom while shredding his guitar, Van Halen’s brief appearance became an instant classic moment for the series.

The rock legend played himself with natural charm, surprising both the characters and the audience. His willingness to participate in the sitcom demonstrated his good humor and pop culture awareness beyond his musical genius.

Van Halen passed away in October 2020 at age 65 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy as one of rock’s greatest guitarists and most innovative musicians.

6. Michael Clarke Duncan

Bringing both physical presence and warmth, Oscar nominee Michael Clarke Duncan played Jerome Burnett, the NFL star next door and protective father of Celeste, Charlie’s girlfriend—a role tailored to his natural charisma.

Duncan appeared in two memorable episodes where he masterfully balanced comedy with subtle menace. His character’s protective nature toward his daughter created perfect tension with Charlie’s notorious womanizing ways.

The gentle giant passed away in September 2012 at just 54 years old following complications from a heart attack, cutting short a promising acting career that began with his breakout role in The Green Mile.

7. Mike Connors

Television icon Mike Connors made a guest appearance as Hugo, one of Evelyn’s many love interests. Famous for his starring role in the classic detective series Mannix, Connors brought his signature charm and sophistication to the Harper family’s world.

His character’s romantic entanglement with the manipulative Evelyn created comedic situations that played to both actors’ strengths. Even in this brief role, Connors demonstrated the screen presence that made him a television star for decades.

Connors died in January 2017 at age 91, concluding a long and successful career that spanned from the 1950s through the 2000s, making him one of television’s most enduring leading men.

8. Orson Bean

With perfect comic timing and a recognizable voice, the guest role of Norman, the husband of Charlie’s brief fling, left a lasting impression.

The awkward encounter between Norman and Charlie showcased Bean’s ability to extract maximum comedy from uncomfortable situations. His decades of experience in television comedy served him well in creating a character who left an impression beyond his brief appearance.

Bean tragically died in February 2020 at age 91 after being struck by a vehicle, ending a diverse career that included everything from game shows to voice acting to dramatic roles across seven decades in entertainment.

9. Jon Polito

Known for his work in Coen Brothers films, Jon Polito played Mr. Sharipa, Alan’s patient who created a famously quotable ham moment, making a strong impression despite limited screen time.

The scene where he proclaims “He smelled the ham, he got excited” became so popular it was used as the episode title. Polito’s ability to make even the most bizarre dialogue sound natural was a testament to his considerable acting skills.

Polito passed away in September 2016 at age 65 due to multiple myeloma, ending a versatile career that included memorable roles in Miller’s Crossing, The Big Lebowski, and numerous television appearances.