Woodrow Parfrey | |
|---|---|
 Parfrey inMayberry R.F.D. (1970) | |
| Born | Sydney Woodrow Parfrey (1922-10-05)October 5, 1922 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | July 29, 1984(1984-07-29) (aged 61) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1950–1984 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 4, includingAdam Parfrey |
Sydney Woodrow Parfrey (October 5, 1922 – July 29, 1984) was an American film and television actor from the 1950s to the early 1980s. He is often remembered as "one of TV's great slimeball villains".[1]
Parfrey was born on October 5, 1922, inNew York City.[2] He wasorphaned as a teenager. He attendedThe New School,[2] and worked as an automobile mechanic before going into the military.[3]
Parfrey served in theU.S. Army duringWorld War II, fighting in theBattle of the Bulge where he waswounded andcaptured bythe Germans. When he was released from the Army, testing indicated that he should become an actor, which led to his new profession.[3]
Parfrey acted almost entirely onBroadway or regional stage in the late 1940s and 1950s, turning to television and film substantially in the 1960s. He played the unbalanced informer Herbert Gelman onBroadway in the original production ofAdvise and Consent (1961), for which he won theFanny Kemble Award.
Though usually a supporting player, he played many focal television guest-star roles, mainly in the late 1960s when fantasy and spy shows relied heavily on distinctive guest players. He appeared five times onThe Man from U.N.C.L.E., more than any other guest star exceptJill Ireland, who also appeared five times. In 1962 Parfrey appeared as Joe Darby on the TV westernThe Virginian in the episode titled "The Accomplice". In 1962 he played the part of the murderer George Pickson inPerry Mason, "The Case of the Bogus Books". In 1963, he played the part of George Moffgat inPerry Mason, "The Case of the Drowsy Mosquito". In 1967 he appeared as Brock in the fourth season of the science fiction TV showVoyage to the Bottom of the Sea in the episode "Fatal Cargo". He later appeared as storekeeper Ike Godsey inThe Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971), the TV movie pilot forThe Waltons (1971);The Moneychangers (1976);Backstairs at the White House (1979); and, in his only regular role, the short-lived 1979CBS seriesTime Express.[4]
Parfrey scored a few big A-movie parts, most notably as a prisoner inPapillon (1973). Parfrey's frequent association with that film's director,Franklin Schaffner, also included his role asMaximus, one of the three "See No Evil"orangutan judges inPlanet of the Apes (1968). Later he would appear as a chimpanzee prefect on thetelevision series based on the film franchise.
Parfrey also appeared routinely in films directed byDon Siegel andClint Eastwood, including noted roles in Siegel'sCharley Varrick (1973) and Eastwood'sThe Outlaw Josey Wales (1976).
His many film credits also include parts inCattle King (1963),The War Lord (1965),The King's Pirate (1967),How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life (1968),Madigan (1968),Sam Whiskey (1969),Cold Turkey (1971),Dirty Harry (1971),Oklahoma Crude (1973),Stay Hungry (1976),The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel (1979),Carny (1980),Bronco Billy (1980),Used Cars (1980),The Seduction (1982),Frances (1982) andJinxed (1982).
On February 18, 1950, Parfrey married Rosa Ellovich.[2] He trained under acting teacherErwin Piscator at theNew School for Social Research.[5]
Parfrey died of aheart attack on July 29, 1984, aged 61 years, inLos Angeles.[6] He is buried inLos Angeles National Cemetery.
His son was "underground" publisherAdam Parfrey, who died at the same age as his father.[7]
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