Carl Betz was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Donna Reed Show,” “Judd for the Defense,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” He was known for his significant contributions to both television and theater during his career.
Personal and Family Life
Carl Betz was born on March 9, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had two marriages: his first wife was Lois Shirley Herman, with whom he had one son named Richard Lawrence Betz. After their divorce, he married Gloria Stone in 1963, who was the sister of actress Nita Talbot. He also adopted a stepdaughter named Rio Betz.
Career
Before becoming an actor, Carl formed a repertory theater company in high school. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then attended Carnegie Tech, where he graduated and began working as a radio announcer. His Broadway debut was in “The Long Watch,” and he later signed with Twentieth Century-Fox, appearing in various films before finding success on television. His most notable role was as Dr. Alex Stone in “The Donna Reed Show,” a part that earned him recognition as one of TV’s greatest dads.
Death and Legacy
Carl Betz passed away on January 18, 1978, in Los Angeles, California, due to lung cancer. He left behind a legacy as a versatile actor who made significant contributions to both film and television. His impact on the industry is remembered by fans and peers alike, as he was celebrated for his performances and dedication to his craft.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Killdozer | 1974-02-02 | Dennis Holvig |
| Dangerous Crossing | 1953-07-22 | John Bowman |
| Inferno | 1953-08-12 | Lt. Mike Platt |
| Vicki | 1953-10-05 | Detective McDonald |
| In Search of America | 1971-03-23 | Ben Olson |
| The President’s Lady | 1953-05-21 | Charles Dickinson |
| Deadly Encounter | 1975-10-01 | Jake |
| Powder River | 1953-06-17 | Loney Logan |
| The Deadly Dream | 1971-09-25 | Dr. Howard Geary |
| The Daughters of Joshua Cabe Return | 1975-01-28 | Will |
| City of Bad Men | 1953-09-11 | Deputy Phil Ryan |
| The F.B.I. | 1965-09-19 | Martin Ashton |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Nate Timble |
| Jud for the Defense | 1967-09-08 | Judd for the Defense |
| Mission: Impossible | 1966-09-17 | General Yuri Kozani |