Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

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

DOUGLAS KENNEDY (1915-1973)

The American character actor appeared in more than 190 films from the 1930s in uncredited spots, then in countless supporting roles through the 1960s. The 6' 3" Kennedy often portrayed Western villains, unscrupulous modern-day businessmen, as well as isolated romantic or positive leads in low-budget films. His long list of movie credits is nearly surpassed by his television appearances. Certainly becoming a more familiar face on the small screen. He appeared on many short-lived shows as well as long-running famous Westerns and modern-day crime series. Many of those were multiple appearances. His last credits were for three 1973 episodes of Hawaii Five-O. Kennedy died in Hawaii later that year.

Find out more about Kennedy's career at IMBD.

Peter Haskell: Made for Television

 

Peter Haskell (1934-2010) began his career on American television in supporting roles, as both good and bad guys. Though he acted in the occasional film, the 6' 2" actor is best known for his forty-five years frequenting many popular series, often in an authority role as doctor, Senator, or an unscrupulous businessman. His deviously good looks and strong presence before the cameras began during television's second decade with The Outer Limits, Dr. Kildare, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Fugitive, and 12 O'Clock High. He played Dr. Anson Brooks in two episodes of Ben Casey, then Mission: Impossible, with appearances on Medical Center. Haskell had a forty-one-episode run as lead character, Kevin Grant, for the one-season drama, Bracken's World in 1970. He was so familiar during the Seventies on television he was expected on the police/crime shows so popular of the era such as McCloud, Mannix, Cannon, and The Streets of San Francisco. In 1976, he played ruthless billionaire, Charles Estep in, Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II. As the Eighties dawned and his hair switched to white, he continued with mostly single appearances on television's schedule with recurring roles on three daytime soap operas. His last recurring role was in sixteen episodes as Tyler Chase on, The Law and Harry McGraw. His final performance was, appropriately or not, in 2009 during the final season of the medical drama, ER.