Introduction
William Schallert was an accomplished actor who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. He was known for his roles in popular shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Gunsmoke. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at his life, career, and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
William Schallert was born on July 6, 1922, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the entertainment industry. His father, Edwin Schallert, was a drama critic for the Los Angeles Times, and his mother, Elza Schallert, was a stage actress.
After graduating from high school, Schallert attended the University of Southern California, where he studied acting and theater. He also became involved in the university’s drama department and performed in several productions.
Early Career
After graduating from college, Schallert began his acting career in earnest. He appeared in several stage productions and made his film debut in 1947 in The Foxes of Harrow. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he appeared in numerous television shows, including The Adventures of Superman, Perry Mason, and The Twilight Zone.
However, it was his role as Martin Lane in The Patty Duke Show that brought him widespread recognition. The show ran from 1963 to 1966 and earned Schallert an Emmy nomination for his performance.
Personal Life
Family and Children
Schallert was married to actress Leah Waggner from 1949 until her death in 1990. The couple had four children together, including actress Wendy Schall.
Despite his busy acting career, Schallert was a devoted family man and made sure to spend time with his wife and children whenever he could.
Amputation
In 1992, Schallert was diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, a condition that restricts blood flow to the limbs. As a result, he had to have his left leg amputated below the knee.
Despite the setback, Schallert remained active and continued to act in films and television shows. He also became an advocate for amputees and worked to raise awareness about the condition.
Legacy
IMDb and Wiki
Schallert’s legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which includes over 350 film and television credits. He is also remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry as a whole, and his name can be found on both IMDb and Wikipedia.
Movies and Gunsmoke
Schallert’s most notable film roles include appearances in The Incredible Shrinking Man, In the Heat of the Night, and The Jerk. He also appeared in over 20 episodes of Gunsmoke, one of the longest-running Western shows in television history.
Overall, William Schallert was a talented actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His contributions will be remembered for years to come.
