This year was extremely interesting, as we saw a large number of actors leave, many of them being remembered for multiple careers, including motion picture screen, or starring in more than one hit TV show.
Sherman Hemsley
February 1, 1938 - July 24, 2012
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sherman Alexander Hemsley served in the U. S. Air Force, after-which he became a worker for the Postal Service. So interested in acting, he would study on his own, during spare time. Was allowed to perform off-Broadway spots before an opportunity of a lifetime presented itself.
| Sherman Hemsley, with Isabel Sanford |
The popular 1970 musical Purlie, portraying Gitlow Judson, along with Melba Moore and Cleavon Little, opened up for him. Joining Vinnette Carroll's Urban Arts group, he was included in her musical Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, as well as other stage work.
In 1972, Mr. Hemsley began to appear on the sitcom All In The Family, as the proud dry-cleaning owner George Jefferson, a character that was held for him until he finished with his Purlie stage run. He, along with Isabel Sanford, as his wife Louise, did such an incredible job, that after almost 2 years they were given a show of their own, The Jeffersons (1975), making a historical dent for over a decade, and still showing regularly in syndication to this day.
| Sherman Hemsley |
He made many appearances on various TV shows throughout the 90s, including family puppeteer series, Jim Henson's Dinosaurs, providing his voice for character boss Bradley P. Whitfield, to the millennium with Tyler Perry's House of Payne.
Mr. Hemsley was, in addition to acting, and stage work, an amazing jazz keyboardist, recording a single that was released, "Ain't That A Kick In The Head."
He was 74.
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| Alex Karras |
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| Cast from TV show "Webster" |
July 15, 1935 - October 10, 2012
Born in Gary, Indiana, Alexander George Karras, was known as a man of many hats. As an extremely powerful NFL defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions during the 1960s, in addition to being a pro wrestler. After retiring from playing, he provided foresight as an analyst for The Monday Night Football.
Proving that an athlete can do more than just play sports, he appeared in movies such as Paper Lions and Blazing Saddles.
His big move was starring in the comedy series, Webster (1983), as an adoptive parent of a black child, played by Emmanuel Lewis, along with his real-wife, Susan Clark.
His big move was starring in the comedy series, Webster (1983), as an adoptive parent of a black child, played by Emmanuel Lewis, along with his real-wife, Susan Clark.
He was 77 years of age.
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| Larry Hagman |
| I Dream Of Jeannie, with Barbara Eden |
September 21, 1931 - November 23, 2012
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, actor/producer/director Larry Martin Hagman, son of magnificent stage performer Mary Martin (Peter Pan), also served in the U. S. Air Force.
Upon service, he became widely known on Broadway stages, then regular appearances on soap opera, The Edge Of Night. In 1965, he was given a very popular comedy show for TV, I Dream Of Jeannie (1965), where he starred as Major. Nelson, along with Barbara Eden as Jeannie, helping to get his name more recognized.
Mr. Hagman continued with many TV slots on various shows, including Police Story, Police Woman, Marcus Welby, MD, and Harry O. Then, the one show that gave him star status again, catapulting him in the stratosphere - DALLAS (1978)! Portraying J. R. Ewing, the ruthless oil tycoon, who would stop at nothing to keep the family business intact, even if it meant stepping on family. Fortunately, he also appeared in the updated version of the show this year, as well.
He was 81.
Upon service, he became widely known on Broadway stages, then regular appearances on soap opera, The Edge Of Night. In 1965, he was given a very popular comedy show for TV, I Dream Of Jeannie (1965), where he starred as Major. Nelson, along with Barbara Eden as Jeannie, helping to get his name more recognized.
Mr. Hagman continued with many TV slots on various shows, including Police Story, Police Woman, Marcus Welby, MD, and Harry O. Then, the one show that gave him star status again, catapulting him in the stratosphere - DALLAS (1978)! Portraying J. R. Ewing, the ruthless oil tycoon, who would stop at nothing to keep the family business intact, even if it meant stepping on family. Fortunately, he also appeared in the updated version of the show this year, as well.
He was 81.
| On The Andy Griffith Show |
Andy Griffith
June 1, 1926 - July 3, 2102
Born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Samuel Griffith, learned he could make people laugh in high school, assisting with his shyness. Attended University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, obtaining a music degree. Upon graduation, became a high school teacher of Music and Drama in Goldsboro, NC, in addition to performing in various operas.
He starred in the teleplay, No Time For Sergeants, as well as creating the film version, with actor Don Knotts, a friendship that lasted for decades.
His first starring film debut was Face In The Crowd (1957), with Patricia Neal.
In 1960, he became an all-time favorite of television, showing us his talented flare, in comedic, dramatic, and music form. Appeared in comedy show Make Room For Daddy, starring Danny Thomas, that provided the spin-off The Andy Griffith Show, that lasted 8 years, 7 of which he starred, as widowed father Sheriff Andy Taylor, capturing the hearts of many viewers. The familiar theme tune was extremely catchy, too!
Other than acting, Griffith made achievements in different areas. His musical gifts gave way to rewarding recognition. Among his receipts:
Griffith received a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for I Love to Tell the Story — 25 Timeless Hymns in 1997.
In 1999, Griffith was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
He was 86 years of age.
Richard Dawson
February 20, 1932 - June 2, 2012
| Richard Dawson, with cast of Hogan's Heroes |
Born in Gosport, Hamsphire, England, Colin Lionel Emm, entered the Merchant Marines, before becoming a comedian, taking on the name "Dickie Dawson." After reaching adulthood, he decided to change his legally to Richard Dawson.
Upon his appearance on The Dick Van Dyke Show, movies The Longest Day (1962), and King Rat (1965), starring George Segal, he was offered a role, as part of the military cast for TV's Hogan's Heroes, playing Ct. Peter Newkirk. The show had a 6-year run, before being cancelled.
Continuing to make appearances and bit parts on different shows, Mr. Dawson became a regular comedian on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in, as well as one of the constant guest panelists on game shows, like Match Game, and I've Got A Secret.
He was 79.
More Actors 2012 (to be continued)
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