William Schallert

William Joseph Schallert (July 6, 1922 – May 8, 2016) was an American character actor known for his extensive career in television shows and films spanning over 60 years. He appeared in popular TV shows such as Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1957–1959), Death Valley Days (1955–1962), and The Patty Duke Show (1963–1966). Born in Los Angeles, California, Schallert's parents were Edwin Francis Schallert, a drama critic for the Los Angeles Times, and Elza Emily Schallert, a magazine writer and radio host. He began his acting career as a student at UCLA and later became an Army Air Corps fighter pilot in World War II. After the war, he returned to UCLA and graduated in 1946. Schallert co-founded the Circle Theatre in 1946 and appeared in a production of Rain directed by Charlie Chaplin in 1948.