PORTLAND, Ore. — Actor Michael Norell, renowned for his portrayal of Captain Hank Stanley in the popular TV series “Emergency!” passed away in 2023 in Pennsylvania, as stated in his obituary. He was 85 years old.
The TV series “Emergency!” aired from 1972 to 1977 and is widely recognized for its role in popularizing the field of paramedicine and Norell played the Station 51 captain for many of the series’ episodes after the first season.
What did Mike Norell do before becoming an actor?
Norell attended Washington and Lee University, where he earned a degree in journalism. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army for five years, rising to the rank of captain. Following his military service, he worked as a reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He later moved to New York City to pursue a full-time career in acting.
Are there any notable ‘Emergency!’ episodes featuring Captain Stanley?
There are three episodes where there is a focus on the Captain Stanley character:
- The Mouse” (Season 6, Episode 4): A funny episode that highlights the camaraderie and lighter side of firehouse life. Captain Stanley deals with a pesky mouse in the station, showcasing Norell’s comedic timing.
- “Captain Stanley’s Fire” (Season 6, Episode 24): The episode explores the stress and responsibility Captain Stanley carries as the leader of the crew. It gives a deeper look into his character beyond his usual calm authority.
- On Camera” (Season 6, Episode 8): A television crew follows Station 51, and Captain Stanley has to manage not only emergencies but also the chaos that comes with being on camera.
Was Mike Norell in any other shows about firefighting?
Although technically part of the Emergency! TV movie collection rather than the original series, the TV movie “The Steel Inferno” features Captain Stanley in a large-scale high-rise fire. His leadership is crucial to the coordination and survival of the operation.
What did Mike Norell do after ‘Emergency!’?
After Emergency!, Norell moved on to screenwriting, contributing to a variety of television series including The Love Boat, Love Boat: The Next Wave, Nash Bridges and The Magnificent Seven, among others.
This article, originally published in May 2023, has been updated.
