Michael Alden Norell was a man of many skills, but he was most recognized for his role as Captain Stanley in the TV drama “Emergency!”

Norell died on May 12, 2023, at the age of 85, although he was still recognized and referred to as Captain Stanley decades later.

However, Norell’s initial profession was not acting. He was born on October 4, 1937, in Wallace, and married the late Liz Ingleson in 1965. He married Cynthia Ann Cherbak in 1991 after their marriage was terminated.

The actor spent much of his childhood in the military and moved about with his family. He served in the Korean War and then relocated his family to Tokyo, Japan.

When he returned to the US, he began acting in school plays at Falls Church High School until he chose to attend college and study journalism at Washington & Lee University.

Norell, however, returned to the military after graduation to follow in his father’s footsteps. He stayed for another five years before retiring as a captain.

Norell began to explore his acting abilities once his military service ended. He traveled to Hollywood quickly and scored his breakout role on “Emergency!”

While working on “Emergency!” he also authored four episodes. He explained that it all began when executive producer Bob Cinade summoned him to the writer’s room and asked him to present his ideas.

Norell recalled spending up to two hours brainstorming potential rescue sequences and medical problems with Cinade until he found one he liked.

His work on “Emergency!” launched him into a new career as a screenwriter. When the program ended, he changed jobs completely and went on to write for shows like “Love “Nash Bridges,” and “NYPD Blue.”

James Cherbak Norell, his son, and Chelsea Cherbak Norell, his wife of 32 years, survived the 85-year-old.

Throughout his life, Norell had many dedicated friends and caregivers who shared updates on his health, but the actor also shared some personal information with fans of “Emergency!”

Norell remained an important element of the “Emergency!” series, so much so that the show’s Facebook page reported his coma in 2016.

According to the article, the screenwriter was 79 when he had surgery that put him in a coma. Fans were also requested to keep Norell in their prayers in the heartfelt message.

However, in 2020, the Los Angeles County Fire Museum released an update from Norell’s caregiver, Linda, assuring fans that Captain Stanley was in good health.

Linda was an excellent caretaker who treated the former star “like a king.” Fans were encouraged not to approach the “Emergency!” star and to respect his privacy while he deals with his health challenges. Norell resided at an associated living facility.

Norell talked to kids and other firemen about his time on “Emergency!” in 2020. He claimed that the performers began to feel like actual firefighters as the show became more realistic.

Although his acting felt genuine, Norell was asked whether he had ever been in a scenario where he had to use any of the talents he gained on set to save someone. “Not once,” he responded.

The actor stated that he would have appreciated the opportunity to assist others. His audience also convinced Norell that “Emergency!” was one of the more credible shows on television today.

The screenwriter was in a wheelchair, with gray hair and a beard, and spoke softly to the pupils, but he did not lose his sense of humor. Throughout the talk, he had everyone giggling.

Despite the fact that Norell had a protracted battle with his health issues, one of his friends, Rick Lenz, was heartbroken by his passing and gave a passionate tribute to him.

The death of his friend astounded Lenz. He commented, “I can’t wrap my mind around it—I mean just the fact of his not being here anymore.” However, the two had a deep connection that began in 1967, and Lenz stated they communicated on a regular basis until Norell’s death.

Lenz and Norell were performers and screenwriters who collaborated on several productions. Their bond was so strong that Lenz said, “Except for my wife and children, I’ve never been closer to anyone.”

To him, the actor enabled him to be himself and was a buddy who donned many hats. “Michael was one of those rare friends you get who you can be absolutely yourself with—smart, stupid, needy, advice taker, advice giver, you name it,” he said.

But one thing he admired in his buddy was that he didn’t take himself too seriously, even if Lenz wished he could have recognized his influence on others.

Norell, on the other hand, stayed modest, and while Lenz penned his homage to him, he knew the actor would have thought he was ridiculous, and that is something he would always miss about him.

The two men liked and admired one another, but according to Lenz, they never communicated it to one another; he added,

“We never said things like “I love you” to each other.” That sounds more like me than him. Although, in the closing days, I did eventually utter things like “I love you, buddy.” And he’d respond, “I love you too.”

Norell’s tight circle and fans who followed him from his time on “Emergency!” and liked his writing on various series will remember him fondly.