After completing his wartime naval service, Alan North embarked on a career in show business, initially taking on the role of a stage manager in New York. He made his Broadway debut in the production of "Plain and Fancy", doubling as understudy for the character of Isaac Miller. The show enjoyed a successful run of 461 performances between 1955 and 1956, paving the way for further acting opportunities in a diverse range of productions, from musical comedy to straight dramatic parts, both on and off Broadway.
Throughout his career, Alan remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in various productions, including "Lake Hollywood" at the Signature Theater in 1999, where he played a quaint and curmudgeonly character.
In addition to his stage work, Alan also pursued a career in television, hosting a program for the Baltimore Orioles and broadcasting sports news at WRC-TV in Washington. However, it wasn't until the early 1970s that he became a regular fixture on the small screen, with roles in two big-budget films, Plaza Suite (1971) and Serpico (1973).
Following this, Alan became a familiar presence on television, often portraying characters such as cops, priests, and academics. He is perhaps most fondly remembered for his role as the perpetually vague Chief Ed Hocken in the hilarious and sadly short-lived spoof Police Squad! (1982),starring Leslie Nielsen. Alan's deadpan delivery of his lines in this production earned him a reputation for his comedic timing.
Despite being offered the chance to reprise his role as Chief Hocken in the "Naked Gun" series, the studio ultimately decided to cast a higher-profile actor, Academy Award-winner George Kennedy, instead.
Alan North passed away at the age of 79 in January 2000, after a battle with cancer.
