Sean Whitesell (March 11, 1963 – December 28, 2015) was an American film and television actor, writer and producer.

Sean Whitesell
Born(1963-03-11)March 11, 1963
DiedDecember 28, 2015(2015-12-28) (aged 52)
Resting placeWestwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery[1]
Education
Occupations
  • Actor
  • writer
  • producer
SpouseMaria Quiban
Children1
Family

Early life and education

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Whitesell was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa,[2][3][4] the son of Patricia and John Patrick "Jack" Whitesell.[5][6] He had five brothers: John II, Christopher, Thomas, Patrick, and James.[4][2][7] He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa[2] and then studied acting at the University of California, San Diego, where he received an MFA in acting.

Career

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Whitesell is best known for his portrayal of cannibalistic inmate Donald Groves, the initial cellmate of Miguel Alvarez (Kirk Acevedo), in season one of HBO's Oz, on which he was a regular until his character's execution.

In 2002, Whitesell returned to the show, but not to act; he wrote and produced several episodes in the show's later seasons. Whitesell acted almost exclusively in television, aside from some early minor film roles, such as in Calendar Girl opposite Jason Priestley. He also served as both a writer and a recurring guest actor on Homicide: Life on the Street, in addition to appearing in the television movie that concluded the series in 2000. Although Whitesell did no further acting after the end of Homicide ended, he was a producer for most of the fourth season of House, and also wrote one episode, "Ugly". He also produced and wrote for several other successful series, including The Black Donnellys, Boston Public and Cold Case.

Personal life

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Whitesell was married to KTTV weather anchor and morning meteorologist Maria Quiban Whitesell; they had one son, Gus.[2] Whitesell died on December 28, 2015, in Los Angeles from glioblastoma multiforme, aged 52.[2] Services were held at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Los Angeles.[2]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1993 Ghost Brigade Raider
1993 Calendar Girl Officer

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1990 Law & Order Intern Episode: "Prescription for Death"
1991 N.Y.P.D. Mounted 2nd Jogger Television film
1992 Silk Stalkings James Vannoker Episode: "Curtain Call"
1992 Flying Blind Waiter Episode: "Crazy for You... and You"
1993 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Mountie Episode: "Boyz in the Woodz"
1993 Johnny Bago Officer #1 Episode: "Johnny Saves the World"
1993 And the Band Played On Country Club Attendant Television film
1993–1997 Homicide: Life on the Street Dr. Eli Devilbiss 8 episodes; also producer and writer
1994 The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. Squad Sgt. Episode: "High Treason: Part 1"
1994 The John Larroquette Show Man Episode: "A Bird in the Hand"
1997 Oz Donald Groves 8 episodes; also producer and writer
2000 Homicide: The Movie Dr. Eli Devilbliss Television film

References

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  1. ^ "Sean Whitesell (1963-2015) - Find A Grave..." www.findagrave.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Variety Magazine: "Sean Whitesell, Producer for ‘Oz,’ ‘House,’ ‘The Killing,’ Dies at 52" by Carmel Dagan December 31, 2015
  3. ^ Times of India: "'Oz' producer Sean Whitesell dead at 52" January 1, 2016
  4. ^ a b Deadline: "Sean Whitesell Dies: Television Writer-Producer And Brother Of WME’s Patrick Whitesell Was 52" by Ross A. Lincoln December 31, 2015
  5. ^ Chicago Sun-Times: "Celebrity Status: Like Rest of Family, Whitesell at Home on Stage -- Only His Is Gentile Center" by Toni Ginnetti January 30, 2006
  6. ^ The Courier: "Iowa Falls family finds ties to show business" by Jessica Miller Mar 12, 2001
  7. ^ The Wrap: "Sean Whitesell, TV Writer and Brother of WME’s Patrick Whitesell, Dead at 52" by Jeff Sneider December 31, 2015
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