Carleton Carpenter was an American actor known for his roles in “Two Weeks With Love,” “Summer Stock,” and “Fearless Fagan.” He was also a talented songwriter, composer, and author, with a notable career spanning several decades.
Personal and Family Life
Carleton Carpenter was born on July 10, 1926, in Bennington, Vermont, to Marjorie and Carleton Upham Carpenter. He spent many years living in Warwick, New York, where he owned a home for decades. Carpenter was recognized for his artistic contributions, receiving a lifetime achievement award in 2012 from the Hollywood film organization Cinecon, presented to him by Debbie Reynolds, his former co-star.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Carpenter appeared on Broadway in productions like “Bright Boy” and “Three to Make Ready.” He also found success as a songwriter, contributing songs for various well-known artists and creating special material for stars such as Marlene Dietrich and Debbie Reynolds. In addition, he published several mystery novels, one of which, “Deadhead,” was adapted into a Broadway musical.
Death and Legacy
Carleton Carpenter passed away on January 31, 2022, in Warwick, New York. At the time of his death, he was the last surviving male actor featured in the 1953 Topps trading card set “Who-z-at Star.” His contributions to entertainment and literature are remembered by fans and peers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Vengeance Valley | 1951-02-14 | Hewie |
| The Prowler | 1981-11-06 | 1945 M.C. |
| Take the High Ground! | 1953-10-30 | Merton “Tex” Tolliver |
| Sky Full of Moon | 1952-12-12 | Harley ‘Tumbleweeds’ Williams |
| Fearless Fagan | 1952-08-15 | Pvt. Floyd Hilston |
| Some of My Best Friends Are… | 1971-10-27 | Miss Untouchable |
| Three Little Words | 1950-07-12 | Dan Healy |
| Summer Stock | 1950-08-31 | Artie |
| That’s Entertainment! | 1974-06-21 | (archive footage) |
| Lost Boundaries | 1949-07-02 | Andy |
| Lady in the Dark | 1954-09-25 | Russell |
| The Whistle at Eaton Falls | 1951-08-02 | Eddie Talbot |
| Two Weeks With Love | 1950-11-10 | Billy Finlay |
| Father of the Bride | 1950-05-18 | Party Guest / Usher With Coke (uncredited) |
| Up Periscope | 1959-03-04 | Lt. Phil Carney |
| Three Little Words: Two Swell Guys | 2006-04-25 | Self |
| Summer Stock: Get Happy! | 2006-04-25 | Self |
| The Ropers | 1979-03-13 | |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Peter Brent |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Lord Feathertop |
| Pete and Gladys | 1960-09-19 | |
| Trackdown | 1957-10-04 | |
| The Beachcomber | 1962-02-20 | Jimmy Bliss |
| Schlitz Playhouse of Stars | 1951-10-05 | |
| The Millionaire | 1955-01-19 | Gilbert Burton |
| The Rifleman | 1958-09-30 | |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Volus Butolph |