William Schallert
Date of Birth: July 6, 1922
Gender: Male
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Biography:
William Joseph Schallert, born in Los Angeles, California, had quite a remarkable journey as an actor, spanning over six decades and leaving behind a legacy that's hard to forget. The tall and versatile actor, standing at 6 feet 1 inch, was the son of Edwin Francis Schallert, a longtime drama critic for the Los Angeles Times, and Elza Emily Schallert, who was a magazine writer and radio host.
While studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he discovered his passion for acting and took to the stage with enthusiasm. However, this passion had to be put on hold when he became an Army Air Corps fighter pilot during World War II. After the war, Schallert returned to UCLA and graduated in 1946 before diving back into the world of theater. He appeared in several productions at the Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, one of which was W. Somerset Maugham's Rain in 1948, a staging that caught the attention of none other than Charlie Chaplin.
In 1951, Schallert made his television debut and quickly became a familiar face on the small screen. With a string of guest roles in popular shows such as The Adventures of Superman and The Twilight Zone, he gradually established himself as an accomplished character actor. However, it was his recurring roles that truly showcased his talents; from playing Mr. French on The Patty Duke Show (1963-1966) to appearing in The Nancy Drew Mysteries and The Torkelsons, Schallert proved time and again that he could bring depth and nuance to a variety of roles.
He was also no stranger to the big screen, with notable film appearances including The Bridges of Toko-Ri (1954), The Apartment (1960), and The Sting (1973). Schallert's career was marked by dedication, versatility, and a love for his craft that shone through in every performance.
In 2016, the legendary actor passed away in Pacific Palisades, California, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and an enduring love for the art of acting. He was survived by his wife, Leah Waggner, and their four children. Schallert's journey from a student to an accomplished actor on both television and film screens is truly a testament to his talent and perseverance in the competitive world of show business.
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