George Kennedy, one of the most recognised actors in the world known for his versatile roles working with such legends at John Wayne, Dean Martin, Jimmy Stewart, Clint Eastwood, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, and Lee Marvin, has left us.

Born in New York City, New York, on February 18th, 1925, Mr. Kennedy served in the United States Army during World War II as an officer under General George S. Patton (years later he would portray Patton in Brass Target).

After the war’s end, he served as a military consultant with the Phil Silvers Show in 1955 which featured many future notable actors in the zany comedy television series about the military.

Mr. Kennedy soon caught the eye of casting agents with his authoritative voice and 6 foot 4 inch frame and he was soon put to work in such television series’ as Maverick, Colt .45, Peter Gunn, Surfside 6, Lawman, Laramie, Boris Karloff’s Thriller, Riverboat, Gunsmoke, The Untouchables, Death Valley Days, The Blue Knight, and Have Gun, Will Travel.

In 1957, he met John Wayne on In Harm’s Way and they became fast friends which they were paired up again in The Sons of Katie Elder, in which Mr. Kennedy plays the bad guy, Curley, who takes a crack across the chops with a hickory stick in a most memorable scene courtesy of Mr. Wayne.

Feature films included, Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte, Cool Hand Luke, The Flight of the Phoenix, The Dirty Dozen, The Pink Jungle, Fool’s Parade (an underrated film featuring a young Kurt Russell), Earthquake, Guns of the Magnificent Seven, The Eiger Sanction, Airport, Death on the Nile, Creepshow 3, The Naked Gun series and many more.

STARBURST sends our good thoughts out to his friends and family.

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR ON TWITTER @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local STARBURST stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE. For our digital edition (available to read on your iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows 8, Samsung and/or Huawei device – all for just £1.99), visit MAGZTER DIGITAL NEWSSTAND.

 

CLICK TO BUY!

MORE FROM AROUND THE WEB: