Frank Albertson | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Francis Healey Albertson (1909-02-02)February 2, 1909 Fergus Falls, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | February 29, 1964(1964-02-29) (aged 55) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Holy Cross Cemetery,Culver City, California |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1923–1964 |
| Children | 5 |
Francis Healey Albertson (February 2, 1909 – February 29, 1964)[1] was an American actor who had supporting roles in films such asIt's a Wonderful Life (1946) andPsycho (1960).
Albertson was a native ofFergus Falls, Minnesota,[2] the first child of Frank (or Francis) B. and Mary (née Healey) Albertson. He spent his childhood first in nearbyFrazee,[3] and later inPuyallup, Washington.[4] As a young man in Los Angeles, he worked as a laboratory assistant in a photographic shop, which resulted in contacts leading to his acting career.[5]
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Albertson made well over 100 appearances (1923–1964) in movies and television. In his early career he often sang and danced in such films asJust Imagine (1930) andA Connecticut Yankee (1931). He was featured inAlice Adams (1935) as the title character's brother, and as playwright Leo Davis inRoom Service (1938) opposite theMarx Brothers. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces'First Motion Picture Unit making training films during World War II. As he aged, he moved from featured roles to supporting and character parts. He can be seen as Sam Wainwright, the businessman fond of saying "Hee-Haw" in the movieIt's a Wonderful Life (1946).
On October 10, 1950, Albertson starred in "Give and Take" onArmstrong Circle Theatre.[6] He portrayed future U.S. PresidentTheodore Roosevelt in the 1956 episode "Rough Rider" of the television seriesMy Friend Flicka. He guest-starred in the western seriesThe Californians and twice in the crime dramaRichard Diamond, Private Detective.
In 1960, Albertson portrayed Tom Cassidy, the wealthy client inPsycho (1960) who flirts with Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and provides the $40,000 in cash she later absconds with. In the 1960-61 television season, Albertson played the character Mr. Cooper in five episodes of the sitcomBringing Up Buddy, starringFrank Aletter. In 1962, he appeared as Henry Bildy on the TV westernLawman in the episode titled "Heritage of Hate".
In 1964, Albertson was cast as Jim O'Neal in the episode "The Death of a Teacher" of dramaMr. Novak. One of his latter screen appearances was as Sam, the bewildered mayor of Sweet Apple, Ohio in the 1963 film musicalBye Bye Birdie.
Albertson's final acting appearance was onThe Andy Griffith Show, in which he played a Marine commander completing an inspection. The episode aired on May 19, 1964, three months after Albertson's death.
Albertson died in his sleep at his home in Santa Monica, California, on February 29, 1964, aged 55. The cause of death was an apparent heart attack. He had five children[note 1][7] from his two marriages.[5] He was buried inHoly Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California.[8]
For his contributions to the film industry, Albertson received amotion pictures star on theHollywood Walk of Fame at 6754 Hollywood Boulevard. The star was dedicated on February 8, 1960.[9]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Regis | Season 3 Episode 27: "Disappearing Trick" |
| 1959 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Sergeant Kirby | Season 4 Episode 16: "Out There – Darkness" |
| 1959 | Wanted Dead or Alive | George Elkins | Season 2 Episode 9 "The Tyrant" |
| 1960 | Wanted Dead or Alive | Sheriff Mike Strata | Season 3, Episode 8 "To the Victor" |
| 1960 | Leave It to Beaver | Mr. Gannon | Season 3 Episode 17 "Wally's Test" |
| 1961 | Bringing Up Buddy | Mr. Cooper | Recurring role, 6 episodes |
| 1961 | The Tom Ewell Show | Al Gallagher | Season 1, Episode 24 "The Prying Eye" |
| 1961 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | George Wyncliff | Season 6 Episode 30: "You Can't Trust a Man" |
| 1963 | The Alfred Hitchcock Hour | Constable Tom Batterman | Season 1, Episode 28: "Last Seen Wearing Blue Jeans" |
| 1963 | Bonanza | Sam Walker | Season 5, Episode 2 "A Passion for Justuce" |
| 1964 | Mr. Novak | Jim O'Neal | Season 1, Episode 20 "The Death of a Teacher" |
| 1964 | The Andy Griffith Show | Colonel Watson | Season 4 Episode 32 "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." |
