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George Dunn (actor)

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George Dunn

George Dunn (born Ollen George Dunn, November 23, 1914 in Brownwood, Texas – died April 27, 1982 in Los Angeles, California) was an American actor, humorist, vaudeville performer, and satirist. He was a working actor who often portrayed Western characters in film and television. His homespun wit, rope tricks, and satirizing of American life, politics, and sports reflected the strong influence Will Rogers had on him as an entertainer.

At an early age George knew he wanted a different life. He didn't want to work on the farm like the rest of his family, so he hopped freight trains and made his way from Texas to New York City to perform in Vaudeville. From there, he went on to Hollywood, where he appeared in 25 motion pictures and more than 100 television shows. Some of his appearances were uncredited bit parts.

One of his major roles was "The Prophet" in Operation Petticoat, alongside Tony Curtis and Gavin MacLeod. George also appeared in several other well-known films, including How to Marry a Millionaire; Giant; Inherit the Wind; The Long, Hot Summer; The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm; and Shenandoah. In another phase of his career, he appeared in several John Cassavetes films, including Faces and A Woman Under the Influence. George shares an interesting distinction with John Wayne—their final roles were in the same film, The Shootist. To addition to his film work, George appeared in many popular television shows throughout the mid '50s, '60s, and '70s, such as The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Favorite Martian, and Starsky and Hutch.

While George Dunn never attained celebrity status, his long and steady acting career allowed him to travel around the world three times, visiting 95 countries. His world travels provided him with much fodder for humorous storytelling and entertaining after-dinner speaking engagements.

Filmography

Television

  • The Andy Griffith Show
  • My Favorite Martian
  • The Beverly Hillbillies
  • Starsky and Hutch
  • Ben Casey
  • Mannix
  • Bonanza
  • Adam-12
  • The Virginian
  • Peyton Place
  • Felony Squad
  • Camp Runamuck
  • The Doris Day Show
  • The Adventures of Jim Bowie
  • Wagon Train
  • The Bell Telephone Hour
  • The Variety Showcase
  • Lawman
  • G.E. Theater
  • The Alaskans
  • Cimarron City

Off Broadway

Appeared in the Off-Broadway production of "The Rainmaker" (1954)

References

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