Dabbs Greer was a ubiquitous presence in both film and television, effortlessly embodying the notion of the "everyman" in his various roles. He had a remarkable ability to bring to life a wide range of characters, from humble merchants and preachers to business leaders and even villains. His plain yet endearing face, coupled with his distinctive voice and wavy hair, made him a stalwart supporting actor.
Born on April 2, 1917, in Fairview, Missouri, to Randall Alexander Greer and Bernice Irene Dabbs, Greer was reared in Anderson, Missouri, as the only child of a pharmacist father and a speech therapist mother. His initial foray into acting came at the tender age of eight, when he took the stage in a children's theatre production. He later attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to head the drama department and Little Theatre in Mountain Grove, Missouri, from 1940 to 1943.
Greer then moved to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he worked as an actor, instructor, and administrator from 1943 to 1950. His film debut came in 1949 with an uncredited bit part in Reign of Terror, later known as "The Black Book." Over the next five decades, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Greer is perhaps most fondly remembered for his role as Rev. Alden on the beloved television series Little House on the Prairie, which aired from 1974 to 1983. However, his impressive resume also includes recurring roles on popular TV shows such as Gunsmoke, Hank, and Picket Fences, as well as appearances in made-for-TV movies and guest spots on series like Adventures of Superman, The Rifleman, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Trackdown, Perry Mason, Bonanza, The Fugitive, and The Brady Bunch.
Tragically, Greer passed away in 2007 at the age of 90, leaving behind no immediate family, as he never married and had no children. Despite his remarkable career and numerous accomplishments, Greer's legacy remains a testament to his dedication to his craft and his enduring impact on the world of entertainment.
