James Callahan Dies

James T. “Jimmy” Callahan, an actor best known for playing the cranky grandfather on television’s “Charles in Charge,” has died. He was 76.

Callahan, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in February, died Friday at his Fallbrook home, said his wife, Peggy Cannon-Callahan.

“As an actor, he was just an absolute pleasure. He wanted what was best for the team, and that’s very rare,” Scott Baio, who starred in “Charles in Charge,” told The Times on Tuesday.

On the show, Callahan played Walter Powell, a retired Navy man he referred to as the “blustery old grandfather” in a 2000 People magazine interview. When CBS canceled “Charles in Charge” after one season, Callahan joined the cast for the syndicated version, which ran from 1987 to 1990. The role was a favorite that brought him wide recognition.

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In 1994, at 63, he married for the first time. His wife survives him.

Rest In Peace, James.