I never met Jeff in person but I did meet him online in some Magnum PI online forums in the late 90's. He was approachable and fans like me appreciated that. "Time has little to do with infinity and jelly donuts" Jeff. Rest well.

I met Jeff back in Hawaii and we were instant friends till the day he died. John Hillerman introduced us and we all had some of the best times together, including creating "Chef Jeff" cookbook and a treatment called "Pirates". Those were some wild days in Hawaii, California and OK. Love you Jeff...and btw...the buddy passes are in the mail......lol

I wish you were here, in the physical sense, so I can wish you a very happy New Year! I'm starting 2012 with loving thoughts of you in mind (and heart!). Best wishes to you, always. I love you so much!

Just found out you have moved on Jeff and hope you are flying high. You were a good friend to me and thanks so much for typing on your early computer days my entire hand written manuscript of Some Guys. I would dictate many chapters and you just sat there and typed for me the entire book. Thanks for your kindness, friendship and encouragement....and the public thanks you for all your great work on camera. Will miss you and think of you always. Doug Dobransky

Just surfing the web and looked up Jeff and was startled and saddened to see that he had left us too early. We often acted together at Oklahoma U., most memorably playing together in Romanoff and Juliet--comical soldiers. He had a real spark and clearly was talented, but he was just a lot of fun, too. Though I went in other, more realistic, directions I always took pleasure in Jeff's successes, remembering always his great warmth and personal charm. John Effinger

I too had no idea Jeff had passed away. I didnt know him personally but his on screen presence always made me smile. He will be sadly missed.

JoAndra Van Dowall

11 years ago

Today (Aug.22.2012) is Jeff's 4th deathiversary. I'm taking time to remember the man who's made me laugh and cry over the years and I'm sure I'll see him when it's my turn to go Home. God and I love you, Jeff.

My husband and I just learned of Jeff's passing when we were given the Gold Monkey DVD set for Christmas. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and other fans. Jeff was such an integral part of so many television shows we enjoyed and as long as we have access to them via television or DVD, Jeff will live on in the memories of his current fans as well as the younger viewers of these great series. Rest in peace Jeff.

I just found that Jeff passed. To me he will always be Corky. As long as we have the memories he lives on... Death is that state in which one exists only in the memories of other, which is why it is not an end. Tasha Yar

I just found out right now that Jeff Mackay passed on... Jeff became a very close friend in my 20's. And mentored me and Ben Reed in acting. We were all from Oklahoma City. I have fond memories of Jeff as he intoduced me to many in the industry who gave me priceless advice as did mutual friend, John Hillerman. "may God bless your soul, Jeff' George Pilgrim

I didn't know Jeff had passed away until I purchased the GOLD MONKEY dvd set. I felt sooo sad. He was such an alive person! One of my favorite characters in the show. He was young yet, and could have given us more great performances if Hollywood had not been so uncareing toward character actors.

i to just found out when i purchased tales of the gold monkey that jeff mackay had died. will miss him very much.i remembe when i was stationed in so.korea and viewed the program on aftv and i had just recieved orders to return stateside and i thought "hey great ,now i can see totgm as they are made",hot off the press so of speak. you can only guess how bad i felt when i learnt the series had been cancelled.well jeff rest in peace and maybe we can have a drink in the hereafter together if they have them there.

I remember watching Tales of the Gold Monkey, and somehow i always seemed to identify with Corky. Felt that he and I were somehow kindred spirits - strange as that may sound. I just found out that he'd passed, and it made me cry. Jeff struck me as a real down-to-earth kind of guy. I'll miss seeing him act, and bring life to new characters. I'll also regret not being able to meet him in person. He will be much missed.

That two parter Magnum P.I. episode instantly made Mac a treasured part of my TV family as a kid. I only found out about his passing from the tribute on the Tales of the Gold Monkey package. With all the so-called celebs we put up with today, it is a true tragedy that we have lost a true star. I hope heaven is full of jelly doughnuts for you!

I was recently very pleased to see I could purchase one of my favorite shows: "Tales of the Gold Monkey" on DVD, Some of my fondest memories of the '80's. I noticed the DVD set was dedicated to the memory of Jeff Mackay. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a strong element of the program and a joy to watch. He died at the age I am now, so i guess we sort of grew up together. I hope he has found peace and is entertaining all those who went before him...

He was a constant in my television viewing. If he was on the series you knew it would be a good show. I just purchased the Tales of the Gold Monkey collection and saw that it was dedicated to his memory. I didn't know he had passed away. We've lost a great character actor.

Jeff Mackay was always Mac to me on Magnum PI, but I also remember him from Baa Baa Black Sheep and Tales of the Gold Monkey. What a great actor!! Like they say, only the good die young. RIP, Mac.

I was still in school when I was what you would call a Tales of the Gold Monkey tregic. Its people like Jake, Corky and Jack that played a major role in shaping me as a person, I know that Jeff was merely an actor playing a part, but he played it to perfection. every week I would tune in to see my friends in Boragora, and I truly considered him a friend. His portrayal of Corky helped me through some difficult times as I identified with his character- not always the brightest but still worthy of respect and it was his ownership of this role that allowed me to develop self respect. Jeff you are truly missed and I thank you for making me a better person.

I went to school with Jeff at the University of Oklahoma 1968-70 and have always thought of him as a friend. Was just googling him for no particular reason and found out about his death. Peace, Jeff.

My mom and dad were best friends with Jeff''s parents. The MacKay family was very special to ours, the Clarks. Jeff was older than I, but he was always a blast to be around...very funny. His mom loved to tell me, a star struck girl, about Jeff's career, life and co-actors. My dad loved to play golf with Jeff and his dad. I was very sad to google and see that he had passed away...a life ended too soon.

To some people, the mention of the word “April” is synonymous with the words “Santa Anita Derby.” This race is run each April at its namesake racetrack , which is located in the Pasadena, California. Pasadena is just an hour’s drive, from Los Angeles, depending on the traffic. The day my cousin Jeff MacKay took me there, it took nearly four hours. The traffic on this Memorial Day was thick, and the day hot and muggy, but our spirits were high. While this would not be my first time at a horse track, I have never been a fan of the galloping steeds. Although, I’ve been to several Florida tracks and one somewhere in South Carolina, but when it comes to horses, except for a summer camp in the Adirondacks I have had little to do with them. So, it should not be a surprise that to me, Santa Anita means “Saint Ann the little.” jockeys are little, so, logic might dictate, all jockeys must be spiritually linked to Saint Ann. I wonder. Is Saint Ann the patron saint of jockeys, or perhaps the Saint to pray to for your horse to place in the money. However, the Santa Anita Derby was not my reason to be in California. Several times a year, I would fly from Florida to LA to tape television news segments about real estate investing. These mini-news snippets would be aired during the month on Financial News Network broadcasts. While in California, I would always make a point of visiting with my cousin, Jeff MacKay. Jeff, now retired from acting, was a television actor who has appeared in many different TV series that include, Tail of the Golden Monkey, Magnum, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and JAG. He was, and still is, company I particularly favor. On one such visit to LA, I called Jeff to announced my recent arrival in town, and to say that I hoped he would be available for dinner that or the next evening. “Great” he replied, but, he added that he had a far better idea than just a measly old dinner. He and three buddies had been planning, for over a year, to attend the Santa Anita Derby which was running the very next day. As it turned out, one of the three had to leave for a TV commercial shoot in New York, so they had an extra ticket. Was I game? I have never turned down any prospective adventure, so naturally I said yes. Jeff picked me up at the Beverly Hilton, and while we were driving to meet up with his two friends, Jeff explained the schedule. We were to pick up the other guys on the way, but first we had to find a “safe” phone because it was time to call for the “guaranteed picks.” I knew better than to ask Jeff why not use his mobile phone, he never used it to make out going calls. I assumed also that by “guaranteed picks” he meant that he had some inside scoop on a couple of races, perhaps from an underworld figure, or race track official, either of which could also preclude the use of his own mobile phone. So, I asked him which it was. It was, he informed me, nothing of the sort. But guaranteed nonetheless. Knowing that my cousin was not a die-hard race fan, I could not help but believe that his naiveté was getting the better of him. He glanced over at me during a lull in the traffic and gave me an analogy related to what you get when you purchase a refrigerator. I instantly understood what he was talking about. “A guarantee.” I said, adding “of course. And if it doesn’t work?” I let my statement die in mid air, waiting for Jeff to finish. He did, “so you get another one free.” There it was, pay for a tip now, and if the horse doesn’t run in the money, well, you automatically get another tip for free. I guessed that if that one also did not run “in the money” the free tips would just keep rolling in. “Yes sir,” I said, more to myself than to Jeff. “That seems fair to me.” I spotted a drug store and suggested they would be sure to have a phone inside. Jeff pulled into a parking place, anxious to make the call. I told Jeff I would wait in the car while he called his tipster and I politely declined to become a party to any form of a guarantee tip. He gave me a dirty look, and didn’t talk to me at all from the drug store to the spot where the other two of our quadrille awaited. There, he was forced to introduce me to his two friends. They made up for Jeff’s renewed silence however, and by the time we got to the track I had heard at lease a dozen times how they had really lucked out obtaining “on the rail” seats. Of course, Jeff reminded them, still pouting at my rebuff on the tips, he had a buddy who worked for the race commission, and they had paid for the tickets plus a bonus for the excellent seats nearly a year ago. After all, he added, front row seats like these were a very scarce commodity. Now, if you don’t know what “on the rail” means, and I certainly did not, these are front row seats of the race. This puts you right up against the railing separating the stands from the racetrack. Normally, this means the racehorses pass right in front of where you are seated. Right? After all, if you are on the rail, and the oval shaped track is right in front of you, don’t the horses have to run past you to get from the start to the finish? Not for Jeff and his buddies. Not in front of their “on the rail seats” today. For this particular running of the Santa Anita Derby, at least, the rail positions were extended considerably to the left side of the track. Envision the oval racetrack with the clubhouse and spectator viewing area along one of the long sides of the oval. At the very center of the clubhouse, directly across from where the owner’s air-conditioned boxes are located is the finish line. That is where the most expensive seats are, in the clubhouse area, elevated up above the lower seats. In addition to the owner’s boxes is general seating that becomes cheaper as it moves left or right away from the finish line. The starting position is always to the left of the finish line, its actual position varies to the length of the race to be run. The horses run a counter clockwise around the track. During any given race day there are usually races of different lengths. As the finish line is a fixed location, the adjustment to account for these different distances must be in the position of the starting gate. To make this task relatively simple, the starting gate apparatus is on wheels, which allows it to move to the appropriate spot for that particular race. As soon as the race starts, the gate, if it is located at a position where the horses will come around to, is moved out of their path. In the United States, horse races (as well as car, dog, track and so on) are always run counter clockwise around the track. Unlike human track races, for example, where the starting position will vary at various points in the oval of the track, and runners must stay in a certain marked path on the track (for the first part of the race anyway) the starting position of a house race is simply pushed back off the oval farther and farther to the left to allow the houses a longer straight run before they reach the first turn. Because it is possible that some races may begin off the oval, the rail that runs to the viewers left extends along that same line. Anyone possessing an “on the rail” ticket at one of these far left positions is at a great disadvantage of even seeing a horse, much less the whole race. Jeff triumphantly led us to our seats, stopping along the way to ask uniformed ushers exactly were our section was. By the time we were half way there it had become apparent where our seats were destined to be. We were right up against the rail all right, but no matter how long or short the race would be, we could watch everything from start to finish only by looking hard to our right. If we had been any further from the actual oval part of the track, we would have been stable boys. But none of that really mattered to the guys, it seemed, or were they just really good actors? As we had arrived several hours before any race activity was to begin, I left Jeff and the guys to enjoy our “on the rail” position, and walked around the clubhouse stands. Mostly, I wanted to give my neck muscles a chance to rest in anticipation of the impending long afternoon looking to my right. While wandering around inside the clubhouse, I noticed a long, serpentine line of people in front of a small ticket window. I watched as one after another went to the window, bend close said something. The man on the other side of the window would shake his head from side to side and the person would take a deep breath and leave, only to be replaced by the next person line. This continued on and on, always with the same results. Curious as to what was going on, I asked a track guard standing nearby about the purpose of this window and the line of people. He told me that this was the “box seats window.” He explained that if there were any returned tickets or otherwise available box seats this was the place to get them. I pointed out that it was apparent no such tickets were available, based on the continuous line of disappointed people leaving the window. The guard laughed, “What do you expect on the day of the most famous race in the world?” For a few minutes I considered what he had said, then meandered around to the end of the line. After all, as famous as the Santa Anita Derby is, it could not be the most famous race in the world. Surely, the Kentucky Derby would out rank the Santa Anita Derby. If the guard was wrong about that, well, there just might be a ticket or two available. One by one the people in front of me watched as the man behind the partial glass window shook his head in a clear and definite “NO.” As soon as the man just turned down left the window, another man took his place (that’s right, there were no women in the line, clearly a sign of intelligence on their part). Behind me, the line grew nearly at the same pace as it was depleted in front of me. It was interesting, some of ones behind me were formerly in front of me too. Fans of the track are, I was beginning to believe, a very optimistic bunch. I was coming closer to the window. Soon there was only one person in front of me. I listened to what he was going to ask for. “Any boxed seats?” he asked. Predictably, the man nodded his head from side to side and understandably, the man in front of me sighed heavily and moved out of my way. I started to move forward but was interrupted by a uniformed chauffeur. He but into line ahead of me and stuck his face close to the opening and said something like, “Paddy tol me ta turn dese in” Having said that, he pulled four tickets from his inside jacket pocket and placed them on the narrow marble counter. Our hands touched ever so briefly as mine slammed down over the tickets as his retreated. “Mine.” I announced and I could hear the groans of several race fans still in line behind me. Mine indeed. Slowly, I moseyed on back to our front rail seats, enjoying, privately, the surprise I would spring on Jeff and the others. Well, Jeff and the others saw me coming from a great distance, and signaled that I should hurry up. The first race was to begin in ten minutes or so. I joined them and took up my position at the rail. Not so bad really, I told myself. Except for those box seats I had just picked up, this location would have been better than staying at home. I told Jeff and the guys that we could stay here, or we could go to our new seats (which I had already checked out). It turned out that Paddy, or whoever the previous owner of the tickets was, must have been a big wheel. The seats we now controlled were in the “owners” section of the clubhouse, right on the finish line. As good as it gets. We ended up there just in time for the start of the first race. I never told Jeff or the guys the truth about how I got the tickets because I did not want to take away from the efforts they had gone through to obtain the “front rail” positions of which they were so proud. My little white lie was that I had run into a horse trainer friend from Gulfstream track in Florida, who had these tickets left over. We were all thrilled with this good fortune, and it did indeed turn out to be my lucky day at the track. Remember the two guaranteed tips? Jeff and the guys were sure to get new ones for some future race as the tips were losers. To my surprise, the scientific selections I made using the Mickey Rooney system, proved to be the real winners. Oh, why did Jeff never make a call on his cell phone? Simple, he just might be on the line the moment his agent was trying to reach him about a part in some blockbuster film or TV series. Such is the life of an actor. I'll miss you buddy, Jack Cummings

As a cousin of Jeff I miss him dearly. Many memories to share, most of them spending time with him on the set of "Tales of the Golden Monkey" and "Magnum". Love the stories of him and my father in Spain - Running the Bulls in Pampalona. Will never forget the time when we attended the Super Bowl in Pasadena between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. Most of all I will miss his smile on camera and off. From the Cummings Family... We miss you. Robert Cummings

I will always remember him as Lt MacReynolds on Magnum. I will always be in debt to him for the meny happy memories he was a part of in my life. I am a big Magnum fan that believes he was a valuable cast member and really added to the shows greatness." Infinity and Jelly Donuts"

I will always remember him as Lt MacReynolds on Magnum. I will always be in debt to him for the meny happy memories he was a part of in my life. I am a big Magnum fan that believes he was a valuable cast member and really added to the shows greatness." Infinity and Jelly Donuts"

I adored Mac on "Magnum, P.I." and his appearances on "J.A.G.". God bless and R.I.P.

One of the fondest memories I have of Jeff was of Corky on Tales of the Gold Monkey. I watched that show with my father when I was a little girl, and I still love it at 35. I think the character of Corky showed his personality well. He will be dearly missed by myself and my husband. Sherry

While some in your industry remained off limits or out of sight from the public, Jeff / Mac was an accessable delightful change from most in the arena. Though we never met face to face, we had good banter a number of years ago on the Magnum PI Newgroup. I will miss your presence on this planet and am sadenned to know that your not physically here but your not going to be forgotten that easly as your persona and spirit will carry on. God be with you.

In 2003 or 2004 I breifly met Jeff. My wife and I were in line at a Braums Ice Cream Store in Tulsa. Jeff & two friends came in and he was next to me in line. I was sure he was someone I knew but couldn't remember where I knews him from. Being a big fan of JAG ,it finally dawned on me who he was. So, I just asked him if he was Bud's dad. He laughed and had a nice conversation. He was very friendly and I really enjoyed meeting him. I was saddened today when I found out he had passed away last year.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff here in Tulsa on many occasions. He will be missed very much and remembered as a kind and giving person that was very dedicated to his parents. It was my honor to know Jeff as a friend. Howard Nelson

I hung out with Jeff on Tales of the Gold Monkey. Caitlin recently told me that Jeff had passed away. He had a huge heart and a tender soul. And even though I never took him up on his pleadings to "run away with me", I have nothing but fond memories of him. Bless you Jeff and I hope you are having a blast on the other side.

Jeff never failed to make me laugh on Magnum PI, he never failed to make me hate his character on Jag. That is a testament to what a great actor he was!! Rest in Peace Frank

sempre assisto ao seriado do MAGNUM.P.I. e você com sua interpretação deixará saudades e carinho descanse em paz......

He always put a smile on my face as I watched my Magnum episodes. Truly a good person whose real character shone through in his acting. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Mac!

May your heavenly infinity be filled with jelly doughnuts.

I remember Jeff Mackay best from Tales of the Gold Monkey. He had so much energy and was an excellent actor. He has convinced me to not want any other kind of A&P mechanic. You're the best Jeff. I appreciate your dedication and may God bless you.