Stanley Kamel, 1943-2008

I meant to comment on this earlier. Stanley Kamel, best known to Monk fans as Adrian Monk’s psychoanalyst, Dr. Charles Kroger, has died, apparently of a heart attack. He had an extremely active career for over thirty years as a television actor, frequently portraying physicians or attorneys.

My wife and I are great Monk fans and have been since the series started. I suppose it’s heartless to think about this at this point but I can’t help but wonder how the writers of the show will deal with Mr. Kamel’s death in future scripts. They can’t readily just write the character out. My wife insists that they’ll deal with it honestly and forthrightly with Dr. Kroger dying and Adrian being forced to come to terms with his longtime therapist’s death. I agree that would be the best solution but there are others. For example, they could substitute another actor, preferably one who bears a superficial resemblance to Mr. Kamel. Dr Kroger could retire (as he’s been threatening to do off and on for a couple of years).

Predictions?

2 comments… add one
  • Diana Link

    I was taken by surprise when I saw a commercial on USA about the “Characters remembered” thing. I didn’t know he had even died until yesterday. It’s a possibility that Monk might have to solve the murder of Dr. Kroger or something along those lines. I’m not sure what to think about something like that, though… either way, you can bet that Monk will be severely impacted as a character and as a series, when the writer’s come up with the episode where Monk has to deal with the sudden absence of Dr. Kroger. I’m going to miss Dr. Kroger very much, though.

  • Alaina Link

    I kinda think itll be cool (not trying to be rude) that Monk is accused of ‘killing’ Dr. Kroger. Do you remember the episode when Monk said to Dr Kroger “You are dead to me” in reference to his obsessive issues at the police station When that Maid got killed in his office…

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