The Untimely Passings: 5 Beloved ‘7th Heaven’ Cast Members Who Have Died

The news of a beloved cast member passing away always sends a shockwave through the fan community, and the family drama 7th Heaven has faced a surprising number of tragic losses over the years. As of December 2025, the most searched-for query relates to the death of the actress who played Dr. Sarah Glass Camden, the wife of eldest son Matt Camden.

This article provides the most current and definitive information regarding the surprising death of actress Sarah Goldberg, along with a complete list of other significant cast and recurring actors from the iconic show who have passed away, including the very recent loss of a comedy legend in early 2024.

The Life and Untimely Death of Sarah Goldberg (Sarah Danielle Madison)

The actress most often referenced when the topic of a deceased 7th Heaven actress comes up is Sarah Goldberg, who was sometimes credited as Sarah Danielle Madison. Her death was particularly shocking due to her young age and the sudden nature of her passing.

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Sarah Goldberg Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Sarah Goldberg (later credited as Sarah Danielle Madison)
• Born: September 6, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois
• Died: September 27, 2014, at age 40
• Cause of Death: Died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes
• Education: Graduated from Amherst College in 1996 with a degree in Biology, and originally planned to study medicine before switching to acting.
• Notable Role on 7th Heaven: Dr. Sarah Glass Camden, a Jewish medical student and the daughter of Rabbi Richard Glass, who marries Matt Camden (Barry Watson).
• Years on 7th Heaven: 2002–2006 (Recurring role)
• Other Credits: Appeared in the film Jurassic Park III (2001) and had a recurring role on the TV series Judging Amy.

Sarah Goldberg’s role as Dr. Sarah Glass Camden was pivotal to the show’s later seasons, providing a compelling interfaith relationship storyline with Matt Camden, the eldest son of the Camden family. Her character was known for her intelligence and multi-faceted personality, mirroring Goldberg’s own background as a former pre-med student.

The Shocking Details of Her Passing

The actress passed away just 21 days after her 40th birthday. Her death occurred at her family’s cabin in southeast Wisconsin, where she was found peacefully in her sleep. The official cause of death was attributed to natural causes, a detail that surprised many given her young age and seemingly healthy life.

Following the news, her on-screen husband, Barry Watson, was among the co-stars who paid tribute, expressing his grief and love for his former colleague on social media. The loss of such a vibrant and talented actress at the age of 40 remains one of the most tragic events connected to the 7th Heaven cast.

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Recent and Notable Losses: Other Deceased Cast Members

While Sarah Goldberg’s death is the primary focus of the query, several other actors and actresses who were part of the extended 7th Heaven family have also passed away. The most recent loss occurred in early 2024, involving a celebrated comedian who played a recurring role in the Camden family's life.

1. Richard Lewis (Rabbi Richard Glass) – Died February 2024

The most recent death connected to the show’s cast is that of comedian and actor Richard Lewis, who passed away on February 27, 2024, at age 76. Lewis had a memorable recurring role on 7th Heaven as Rabbi Richard Glass, the father of Sarah Glass Camden and Matt’s father-in-law.

Lewis, best known for his long-running role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, had revealed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2023. His death was confirmed to be from a heart attack.

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2. Lorenzo Brino (Sam Camden) – Died March 2020

In a devastating loss for the main Camden family, actor Lorenzo Brino, who played Sam Camden, one of the younger twin sons, died in a single-vehicle crash on March 9, 2020, at the age of 21. Lorenzo and his brother Nikolas played the roles of Sam and David Camden from 1999 until the series finale in 2007, growing up on the show.

3. Peter Graves (John Camden) – Died March 2010

Veteran actor Peter Graves, famous for his role in Mission: Impossible, played John Camden, the father of Reverend Eric Camden (Stephen Collins) and the patriarch of the extended Camden Family. Graves passed away on March 14, 2010, at the age of 83 from a heart attack.

4. Alan Fudge (Deacon Lou) – Died October 2017

Alan Fudge, a prolific television actor, had a recurring role on 7th Heaven as Deacon Lou, a key member of the Glenoak Community Church. Fudge died on October 10, 2017, at the age of 73.

The Enduring Legacy of the Camden Family and Co-Stars

The passing of cast members like Sarah Goldberg and Richard Lewis serves as a poignant reminder of the show’s lasting impact and the close bonds formed between the actors. The series, which aired from 1996 to 2007, was a staple of family television, focusing on the lives of the Camden children: Matt, Mary (Jessica Biel), Lucy (Beverley Mitchell), Simon, and Ruthie, along with the younger twins, Sam and David.

The unexpected death of Sarah Goldberg in particular shocked the industry and her former co-stars. While she had moved on to other projects, including a role on Judging Amy, her time as Dr. Sarah Glass Camden is what cemented her place in television history. Her early passing at 40, alongside the later loss of the young Lorenzo Brino, adds a layer of sadness to the legacy of the otherwise heartwarming family drama. Fans continue to pay tribute to these talented individuals, ensuring their work and the memory of the Camden family remain alive.