Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

MYRON HEALEY (1923-2005) 

Healey's characters may be despised more than others in film or television during the 1950s, thanks to his condescending delivery as a villain. When Healey was "bad," he could be despicable. He somewhat carried the torch from actor Harry Lauter, nine years his elder. He appeared in some 140 films, including more than 80 westerns, frequently for Monogram Pictures. But it was television that brought him intimate exposure. Healey served in World War II as an Air Corps navigator and bombardier, flying in B-26 Martin Marauders in the European Theatre. After the war, he continued military duties, retiring in the early 1960s as a captain in the United States Air Force Reserve.

Discover more about Healey's career at IMDB.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Jason Evers (1922-2005) was an American actor on stage, in film, and on television. The handsome actor often portrayed ill-fated characters. Despite consistent, strong supporting roles, he seemed hidden "in plain sight" by his fellow lead actors. Roles on Broadway led to Hollywood, with one of his earliest television multi-role characters on the hit comedy The Phil Silvers Show. His first recurring role was on the 1960 NBC Western series Wrangler. Evers made three appearances on Perry Mason before Evers starred as Professor Howe in the 26-episode ABC drama series Channing (above), based on life at Channing College and not his character's name. His most infamous role and first film is from the 1959 B-movie, The Brain That Wouldn't Die, released in 1962. Fortunately, he redeemed himself in two big-budget sci-fi films, The Illustrated Man (1969) and Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971). Evers appeared in thirteen episodes of The Guns of Will Sonnet (1967). By 1970, Evers turned up on many television series, ranging from The Doris Day Show, The Streets of San Francisco, The Rockford Files, and many others through the 1980s.