David Birney’s most renowned work includes his role as Dr. Ben Samuels in the TV show set in a teaching hospital “St. Elsewhere” and “Bridget Loves Bernie,” in which he starred with Meredith Baxter. He would go on to marry Baxter after the show ended, but they would divorce 15 years later. In 2011, Baxter accused him of being abusive, allegations he denied. Despite the hostility that remained after their divorce, when Birney passed away on Apr. 27, 2022, Baxter still had some kind words to offer.
