William Pierson

This article is about the actor. For the American painter and historian, see William Pierson, Jr. For the Major League pitcher, see William Pierson (baseball).
William Pierson
Born (1926-07-17)July 17, 1926
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died August 27, 2004(2004-08-27) (aged 78)
Newton, New Jersey, United States
Other names Billy Pierson
Occupation Actor
Years active 1953–1984

William Pierson (July 17, 1926 – August 27, 2004) was an American television, motion picture and stage actor, best known for his raspy voice and his role as Marko the Mailman in the 1953 film Stalag 17 as well as a recurring role as Dean Travers on the 1970s ABC-TV series Three's Company.

Biography

Life and career

Pierson, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York originally played the role of Marko in the original Broadway production of Stalag 17, and was tapped by director Billy Wilder for the role in the 1953 motion picture production. Other Broadway appearances included in High Button Shoes, Make Mine Manhattan, Reuben, Reuben, and in a national touring company of The Odd Couple. Pierson, who was well recognized by his distinctive, raspy delivery, also appeared in the Off Broadway production Smile, Smile, Smile. After Wilder brought him to Hollywood, he appeared in films such as Operation Madball and Fun with Dick and Jane (1977).[1][2]

Pierson enjoyed a busy career in television and film, a career which spanned four decades the 1950s through the 1980s, which included appearances on such TV shows such as Studio One and Kraft Theatre, The Jackie Gleason Show, All In The Family, One Day At A Time, Diff'rent Strokes,The Facts Of Life in addition to his role as Dean Travers on Three's Company.[3]

Pierson died from respiratory failure in Newton, New Jersey. He had been residing for years at the Valley View Care Center in Newton due to declining health. He was survived by two brothers, Jeffrey Pierson of New Jersey and Howard Pierson of Florida.

References

  1. ↑ William Pierson, 78; Veteran Actor of Stage, Screen and Television, LA Times article, Times Staff and Wire Reports, September 12, 2004, accessed February 22, 2013.
  2. ↑ William Pierson biography at TheIapolis.com
  3. ↑ (Deathwatch) William Pierson, actor, 78, Slick.org, September 10, 2004, accessed February 22, 2013.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 10/5/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.