Actor, Television Program Director. Born in New York City, New York, he was a piano prodigy and at age 12 performed a recital at Carnegie Hall. By the time he graduated from college in 1958, he had decided to become an actor. His early work included guest appearances in soap operas. He launched his career in 1961, playing an elevator operator in the feature film "Lover Come Back." He become a semi-regular on "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." in 1966. His big break would be as Don Hollinger on the Marlo Thomas television series "That Girl" (1966). He also played small roles in a few feature films, including "Don't Drink the Water" (1969). Following the end of "That Girl," Bessell starred opposite a chimpanzee in the short-lived "Me and the Chimp" (1972). The 1970s were a slow time for him. He had a few memorable appearances as the boyfriend of Mary Tyler Moore on her sitcom. The 1980s included two unsuccessful attempts at TV sitcoms: "Good Time Harry" (1980) and "Hail to the Chief" (1985) in which he played Patty Duke's husband. By the late 1980s, He had largely abandoned acting and became a television director. In 1989, he shared an Emmy for directing an episode of Fox television's "Tracey Ullman Show." At the time of his death, he was preparing to direct a movie version of the television series "Bewitched". He died of an aortal aneurysm at the age of 61.
Actor, Television Program Director. Born in New York City, New York, he was a piano prodigy and at age 12 performed a recital at Carnegie Hall. By the time he graduated from college in 1958, he had decided to become an actor. His early work included guest appearances in soap operas. He launched his career in 1961, playing an elevator operator in the feature film "Lover Come Back." He become a semi-regular on "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." in 1966. His big break would be as Don Hollinger on the Marlo Thomas television series "That Girl" (1966). He also played small roles in a few feature films, including "Don't Drink the Water" (1969). Following the end of "That Girl," Bessell starred opposite a chimpanzee in the short-lived "Me and the Chimp" (1972). The 1970s were a slow time for him. He had a few memorable appearances as the boyfriend of Mary Tyler Moore on her sitcom. The 1980s included two unsuccessful attempts at TV sitcoms: "Good Time Harry" (1980) and "Hail to the Chief" (1985) in which he played Patty Duke's husband. By the late 1980s, He had largely abandoned acting and became a television director. In 1989, he shared an Emmy for directing an episode of Fox television's "Tracey Ullman Show." At the time of his death, he was preparing to direct a movie version of the television series "Bewitched". He died of an aortal aneurysm at the age of 61.
Bio by: Jane Stacy Eubanks
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DEAREST DADDY, HUSBAND, FRIEND
DAILY COMMUNICANT
BROTHER AND SON
Our Loved One,
You have cherished and lived life passionately
and your profound, private devotion to Jesus
as our salvation will shine and serve as a beacon
for many years to come.
Rest with everlasting love while you wait
for us in peace
Family Members
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