Randolph Mantooth starred on NBC's Emergency! for seven seasons, earning honorary paramedic status from the Los Angeles Fire Department. He did such a good job as Paramedic John Gage that many fans thought he was a real paramedic. 

The series, produced by Jack Webb, was known for its signature documentary-style approach to television. 

This approach to television, paired with Mantooth's acting, led many to believe that acting was his side gig and that his full-time job was saving lives.

The rumor was spread by many adoring fans, as well as newspapers, magazines, and even some members of the Hollywood community.

According to a 1978 interview with The News Tribune, many Hollywood producers refused to believe that Mantooth was a professional actor. The result turned into a difficult challenge for the actor.

See More

Adam-12Emergency!

Is this image from an episode of Emergency! or Adam-12?

"I didn't get any offers," Mantooth said. "In fact, a couple of times I heard that my name came up for possible series roles and the producer said, 'No, I want a real actor.' That hurt. Although people told me I should feel complimented, because it was a tribute to my acting ability, it still hurt."  

Although Mantooth loved playing Paramedic John Gage, the role did not help him advance his career. He said he would always be grateful for Emergency!, which, despite making him a household name and providing him with valuable experience, did not lead to more acting opportunities.

It’s no secret that the series impacted his life, just as it did many viewers watching him save lives onscreen. However, with the rumor swirling around and some differences between him and Jack Webb, he felt it was best to begin distancing himself from the series.

According to the interview, Mantooth said he and Jack Webb had their fair share of disagreements, but mostly they bickered over creative differences and the artistic direction of the series.

"For one thing, he wanted me to read my lines from a teleprompter, rather than memorize them," Mantooth said. "His way would save time and therefore money, which was his big consideration. But, as an actor, I felt that was wrong. I felt that I could do a much better job as an actor if I memorized my lines. We had some yelling matches about that, and about other things, too."

Mantooth didn't let Webb or the rumor of him being a full-time fireman stop him from continuing his acting career. He went on to have roles in The Love Boat, Thorne Smith's Topper, T.J. Hooker, and One Life to Live.

At the end of the day, he knew that if acting didn’t work out, he would always have a backup plan as a paramedic.

Watch Emergency! on MeTV!

Weekdays at 5 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

 Add to Favorites  Remind Me