Actor. He was a prolific American stage, film and television character actor of the 1930s through the 1970s. He began his acting career after being introduced to the stage with the Atchison Civic Theatre and Kansas City Civic Theatre. Following attending the University of Kansas for a short time, he returned to Atchison attending St. Benedict's College for a year and a half and graduating in the class of 1933. Relocating in 1930 to California, he joined the Pasadena Community Playhouse, before he started Frank Wilcox Company, which produced plays in venues, including the Lyceum in Baltimore. After signing a contract with Warner Brothers Studio, he had roles playing political figures such as Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy, being decorated for his battle service. At the end of the war, he continued his acting career mainly in supporting roles, totaling over 150 films. His greatest fame came in the 1962 television role of oil company president John Brewster on "The Beverly Hillbillies." He made over 200 television appearances. In the 1960s he made television commercials for Winston cigarettes.
Actor. He was a prolific American stage, film and television character actor of the 1930s through the 1970s. He began his acting career after being introduced to the stage with the Atchison Civic Theatre and Kansas City Civic Theatre. Following attending the University of Kansas for a short time, he returned to Atchison attending St. Benedict's College for a year and a half and graduating in the class of 1933. Relocating in 1930 to California, he joined the Pasadena Community Playhouse, before he started Frank Wilcox Company, which produced plays in venues, including the Lyceum in Baltimore. After signing a contract with Warner Brothers Studio, he had roles playing political figures such as Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy, being decorated for his battle service. At the end of the war, he continued his acting career mainly in supporting roles, totaling over 150 films. His greatest fame came in the 1962 television role of oil company president John Brewster on "The Beverly Hillbillies." He made over 200 television appearances. In the 1960s he made television commercials for Winston cigarettes.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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