Frank Maxwell

For another person, see Frank Maxwell (architect).
Frank Maxwell
Maxwell in an episode of One Step Beyond (1959)
Born
Charles Francis Maxwell

(1916-11-17)November 17, 1916
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
DiedAugust 4, 2004(2004-08-04) (aged 87)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Resting placeHoly Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
Occupation(s)Actor, AFTRA Union president, 1984–1989
Years active1939–1995
Children1

Charles Francis Maxwell (November 17, 1916 – August 4, 2004) was an American actor who served as president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists from 1984 to 1989.[1][2][3][4]

Life and career

A native of The Bronx borough of New York City, and a graduate of the University of Michigan,[citation needed] he appeared in 151 films or television programs. Maxwell began his acting career on the Broadway stage, appearing in such notable plays as Death of a Salesman (playing the role of Willy Loman's son, "Happy"), South Pacific (playing "Luther Billis," a role that went to Ray Walston in the film version), and Stalag 17. His first television acting roles were in 1950 in episodes of the Goodyear Playhouse/Philco Playhouse followed in 1951 by an appearance in the episode "The Overcoat" of the television series Big Town.

Maxwell subsequently appeared in such series as Decoy, with Beverly Garland, Peter Gunn (twice), Alfred Hitchcock Presents (five episodes), The Fugitive (three episodes), Whirlybirds, Black Saddle, The Man and the Challenge, The Deputy, Cain's Hundred, Follow the Sun, Hong Kong, The Asphalt Jungle, Target: The Corruptors, and Mr. Novak. Mission Impossible. He was cast three times each on Robert Montgomery Presents, Cannon, and Emergency! and four times each on Rawhide, Quincy, M.E., and The F.B.I.

In 1960, Maxwell was cast in CBS's science fiction series, The Twilight Zone as Marty Fisher in the episode "A World of Difference". That same year, he appeared as Hackett in the episode "Millionaire Jessica March" of the CBS fantasy drama, The Millionaire. In 1960 he made two guest appearances on Perry Mason: as Harry Wilson in "The Case of the Wayward Wife," and defendant Joe Dixon in "The Case of the Red Riding Boots." He made a third appearance in 1961 as Dr. Mooney in "The Case of the Injured Innocent."

In the 1962–1963 television season, he was a co-star of the ABC sitcom, Our Man Higgins, starring Stanley Holloway in the title role and with Audrey Totter and Ricky Kelman. Maxwell played the father, Duncan MacRoberts, in all thirty-four episodes of the series. He also appeared as a regular on the TV series Felony Squad with Howard Duff from 1966-68 and The Second Hundred Years with Monte Markham from 1967-68.

In 1970, he appeared as a producer in “That Girl”.

From 1973 to 1975, he appeared in five episodes of CBS's Barnaby Jones, with Buddy Ebsen. In 1977, he appeared an in episode of ABC's The Feather and Father Gang. In 1984, he appeared in a two-part episode of ABC's The Love Boat, in which he was cast as Colonel Charles Holmsey. His last regular acting role was as Dan Rooney, the lovable aging hospital administrator on General Hospital which he appeared on from 1978-1988. Over the years, the character had a hand in practically every storyline and was a major participant in the now famous "Ice Princess" storyline which dominated the daytime ratings in 1981.[citation needed]

He died in Santa Monica, California, and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California.[5][6]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1957 The Violators Sam
1958 Lonelyhearts Pat Doyle
1959 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Roger Season 5 Episode 10: "Special Delivery"
1959 Steve Canyon (TV Series) Major Barr Episode: "Sabotage"
1960 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Maury Berg Season 5 Episode 34: "Cell 227"
1960 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Mr. Lyle Stern Season 6 Episode 4: "The Contest for Aaron Gold"
1960 The Mountain Road Sergeant Ballo
1960 The Great Impostor Tirdell Uncredited
1961 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Lieutenant Roman Season 7 Episode 1: "The Hatbox"
1961 By Love Possessed Jerry Brophy
1961 Ada Ronnie Hallerton
1962 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Rudy Season 7 Episode 23: "Profit-Sharing Plan"
1962 The Horizontal Lieutenant Colonel Frank Delgan Uncredited
1962 The Intruder Tom McDaniel
1962 Pressure Point Bund Meeting Speaker Uncredited
1963 The Haunted Palace Dr. Marinus Willet / Priam Willet
1964 The Alfred Hitchcock Hour Officer Petrie Season 2 Episode 24: "The Gentleman Caller"
1965 A Rage to Live George Jay Uncredited
1966 Madame X Dr. Evans
1966 The Wild Angels Preacher
1966 Bewitched Sanford Stern Season 2 Episode 33: "Divided He Falls"
1974 Mr. Majestyk Detective Lieutenant McAllen
1981 The Chosen Radio Announcer

References

  1. ^ Jones, Kenneth (August 11, 2004). "Frank Maxwell, Broadway, Film and TV Actor Who Led AFTRA and Equity, Dead at 87". Playbill. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  2. ^ "Frank Maxwell; actor & AFTRA prez". Google Groups news reference (alt.obituaries). August 6, 2004.
  3. ^ "OBITUARY: Frank Maxwell; 'General Hospital' character actor; 87". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. August 17, 2004. Archived from the original on October 29, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  4. ^ Thurber, Jon (August 10, 2004). "Frank Maxwell -- actor and union activist". Los Angeles Times – via SFGATE.
  5. ^ "Frank Maxwell, 87, TV Actor Who Served as Union President". The New York Times. August 16, 2004. Archived from the original on October 29, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  6. ^ Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 25047-25048). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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