'Ray Donovan,' 'Cheers' Actor Jay Thomas Dead At 69

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Actor Jay Thomas lost his battle with cancer. He was 69.

"Jay Thomas passed away earlier today after a most courageous battle with cancer over the past years," his agent said in a statement. "His dear wife, Sally, and sons JT, Jake, and Sam were very close to this lovely man and, together with his many friends, mourn his loss. Sally and the boys were the true passion of his life."

Photos: Notable Deaths 2017

Thomas started his career as a radio DJ in North Carolina before moving up to be a morning radio host in New York City.

As an actor, Thomas was perhaps best known for playing Jerry Gold on "Murphy Brown."

He won two Emmy awards for that role.

He also appeared on "Mork & Mindy," "Cheers" and many other television shows as well as movies.

Thomas made numerous holiday visits on the "Late Show With David Letterman," in which the two would try to knock a meatball off the top of a Christmas tree by throwing footballs.

Thomas is survived by his wife Sally and three sons.