John Dehner, a renowned character actor, was born John Forkum in Staten Island, New York, to a globe-trotting artist father. His unique upbringing allowed him to learn four languages fluently, having attended school in France and Norway.
After graduating from high school in New York, Dehner pursued a diploma in art at the University of California. However, his plans were derailed when he caught the acting bug, and he relocated to sunny California in search of a job.
Dehner's early career included working as a professional pianist and band leader, as well as an assistant animator at Disney Studios, where he earned $18 a week. He contributed to several classic feature sequences, including Fantasia and Bambi, as well as various Donald Duck and Pluto cartoons.
During World War II, Dehner served as a public relations officer in the army, and after his military service, he returned to California as a radio announcer and news editor for stations KMBC and KFWB. He accumulated a remarkable series of radio acting credits, starring as Paladin in "Have Gun - Will Travel" and appearing in other popular action programs.
In films from the mid-40s, Dehner began his apprenticeship in bit parts before becoming one of Hollywood's most reliable villains. He often played suave gamblers, crooked bankers, grifters, or gunslingers, and his authoritarian demeanor made him perfect for stern fathers, military brass, or cops.
Dehner received second billing as Pat Garrett in The Left Handed Gun, opposite Paul Newman's Billy the Kid. On television, he made a lasting impact as a guest star in numerous classic shows, including Yancy Derringer, Tales of Wells Fargo, The Roaring 20's, Maverick, Bronco, 77 Sunset Strip, Rawhide, and The Doris Day Show.
Dehner appeared in three episodes of The Twilight Zone, showcasing his dry comic talent in the episode "Mr. Garrity and the Graves." He was a regular cast member on The Doris Day Show during seasons four and five, playing Doris's editor Cy Bennett.
Throughout his long and storied career, John Dehner remained one of Hollywood's most hard-working character actors, passing away on February 4 at the age of 76 in Santa Barbara, California.
