Bert Freed was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Paths of Glory,” “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”, and “Invaders from Mars.” Born on November 3, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York, he left a significant mark on television and film throughout his career before passing away on August 2, 1994.
Personal and Family Life
Bert Freed was married to Nancy Lee Wurzberger from February 12, 1956, until his death. They had two children together, including Carl Robert Freed. Bert was the son of Rosa Lena Lazerowitz and Jacob Freed, and he had a brother named Gerson Edwin Freed. He grew up in New York where he started acting while attending Penn State University.
Career
Freed began his acting journey in the 1940s, making his Broadway debut in 1942. He appeared in various genres, from musicals to intense dramas. Known for his tough-guy roles, he played many detectives and soldiers on screen and became the first actor to portray Lt. Columbo, predating Peter Falk’s famous version. Bert retired from acting in 1981, concluding a diverse career spanning over three decades.
Death and Legacy
Bert Freed passed away on August 2, 1994, from a heart attack while on a fishing trip in Canada with his son. His contributions to film and television, especially in the detective genre, have left a lasting legacy. He is remembered for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from authority figures to relatable family men.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Paths of Glory | 1957-10-25 | Sgt. Boulanger |
| What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? | 1962-10-31 | Ben Golden |
| Invaders from Mars | 1953-04-22 | Police Chief A.C. Barrows |
| The Goddess | 1958-06-24 | Lester Brackman |
| Madigan | 1968-03-29 | Chief of Detectives Hap Lynch |
| Detective Story | 1951-11-01 | Det. Dakis |
| Wild in the Streets | 1968-05-29 | Max Jacob Flatow Sr. |
| The Desperate Hours | 1955-10-05 | Tom Winston |
| Norma Rae | 1979-03-02 | Sam Dakin |
| Charlie and the Great Balloon Chase | 1981-07-12 | Carlo |