William Dozier
| William Dozier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
February 13, 1908 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died |
April 23, 1991 (aged 83) Santa Monica, California |
| Cause of death | Stroke |
| Occupation | Producer, actor |
| Years active | 1944–1982 |
| Spouse(s) |
Katharine Foley (m.1929; divorced) Joan Fontaine (m.1946-1951; divorced) Ann Rutherford (m.1953-1991; his death) |
William McElroy Dozier (February 13, 1908 – April 23, 1991) was an American film and television producer and actor.
Early life
Dozier was born in Omaha, Nebraska.
Career
He began in the film industry. With Joan Fontaine he co-founded Rampart Productions, responsible for Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948).[1]
He is best remembered as the executive producer and narrator of the Batman television series (1966–1968),[2] although he was uncredited for the role as narrator. He also performed those functions on the The Green Hornet television show, which starred Van Williams and Bruce Lee, although here the narration was limited to the opening, the next-episode trailers, and the story-so-far recaps in its three two-part episodes. Dozier also made a screen test of an aborted version of Wonder Woman in 1967. During his time as executive producer of Batman he co-created the character Barbara Gordon, who would become a prominent character in the Batman comic books as well as the TV series.[3]
Personal life
Dozier was married to Katherine Foley from 1929 until their marriage ended in divorce in 1946. They had one son, Robert. Then, Dozier married Joan Fontaine from 1946 until they divorced in 1951. They had one daughter, Deborah. Lastly, Dozier married Ann Rutherford in 1953. Their marriage would last until Dozier died in 1991.[4]
Death
Dozier died in Santa Monica, California, from a stroke, aged 83. Dozier was survived by his wife, Ann and his two children, Robert Dozier and Deborah Dozier Potter. Dozier was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
References
- ↑ Joan Fontaine, Turner Classic Movies page
- ↑ Bat-Mania Site: William Dozier Interview
- ↑ Cassell, Dewey (February 2010). "Growing Up Gordon: The Early Years of Batgirl". Back Issue!. TwoMorrows Publishing (38): 65–70.
- ↑ William Dozier (I) - Biography