Actor. Born Gervase Duan Spradlin, he received his bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma followed by his service with the US Army Air Force, as he was stationed in China during World War II. Upon returning home, Spradlin attained his law degree in 1948 and served as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum, advancing to the head of their legal department in Caracas. He later became an independent oil producer. Spradlin's career in acting began unexpectedly, when he landed a part in a play his daughter was to audition for. This would lead to his appearing in a number of local theater productions and an eventual move with his family to Hollywood. Now in his late-40s, he was introduced to TV audiences in such programs as "I Spy," "The Big Valley" and "Mannix." He went on to perform supporting roles in the features "Will Penny" (1968), "Monte Walsh" (1970), "The Godfather: Part II" (1974, as the corrupt Senator Pat Geary), "Apocalypse Now" (1979), "North Dallas Forty" (1979), "Wrong Is Right" (1982) and "Ed Wood" (1994). He had a memorable performance as Lyndon Johnson in the 1985 TV mini-series "Robert Kennedy & His Times." He died from natural causes.
Actor. Born Gervase Duan Spradlin, he received his bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma followed by his service with the US Army Air Force, as he was stationed in China during World War II. Upon returning home, Spradlin attained his law degree in 1948 and served as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum, advancing to the head of their legal department in Caracas. He later became an independent oil producer. Spradlin's career in acting began unexpectedly, when he landed a part in a play his daughter was to audition for. This would lead to his appearing in a number of local theater productions and an eventual move with his family to Hollywood. Now in his late-40s, he was introduced to TV audiences in such programs as "I Spy," "The Big Valley" and "Mannix." He went on to perform supporting roles in the features "Will Penny" (1968), "Monte Walsh" (1970), "The Godfather: Part II" (1974, as the corrupt Senator Pat Geary), "Apocalypse Now" (1979), "North Dallas Forty" (1979), "Wrong Is Right" (1982) and "Ed Wood" (1994). He had a memorable performance as Lyndon Johnson in the 1985 TV mini-series "Robert Kennedy & His Times." He died from natural causes.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
