Don Terry was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Don Winslow of the Navy, Don Winslow of the Coast Guard, and The Secret of Treasure Island. He had a successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Don Terry, born Donald Prescott Loker on August 8, 1902, grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, with parents of Old English descent. He was married twice, first to Gertrude Mathes and later to Katherine Bogdanovich, with whom he had two children. Throughout his life, he balanced acting with various business ventures, becoming a philanthropist in his later years.
Career
Terry’s acting career began with minor roles in films, but he gradually gained recognition. His work as Cmdr. Don Winslow in the Navy-themed serials made him a popular figure in the film industry. He served in the Naval Reserve during World War II and received the Purple Heart for his service. After leaving acting, he became an executive for Starkist Tuna.
Death and Legacy
Don Terry passed away on October 6, 1988, in Oceanside, California. He is remembered for his roles in action serials and his contributions to various philanthropic causes, including serving as chairman for the Donald P. Loker Cancer Treatment Center. His legacy also includes a reputation as a gung-ho hero from the golden age of serial films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sherlock Holmes in Washington | 1943-03-24 | Howe |
| Drums of the Congo | 1942-07-17 | Captain Kirk Armstrong |
| White Savage | 1943-04-23 | Gris |
| Who Killed Gail Preston? | 1938-02-24 | Inspector Kellog |
| Paid to Dance | 1937-12-11 | William Dennis |
| Border Romance | 1929-05-25 | Bob Hamlin |
| Moonlight in Havana | 1942-10-16 | Eddie Daniels |
| Danger in the Pacific | 1942-06-10 | Dr. David Lynd |
| Escape from Hong Kong | 1942-05-15 | Rusty |
| The Secret of Treasure Island | 1938-03-17 | Larry Kent |
| Untamed | 1929-11-23 | Gregg |
| Whistlin’ Dan | 1932-03-19 | Bob Reid |
| You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man | 1939-02-17 | Ping-Pong Player (uncredited) |
| Lady with a Past | 1932-02-19 | Party Guest (Uncredited) |
| When G-Men Step In | 1938-03-16 | Frederick ‘Fred’ Garth |
| Top Sergeant | 1942-06-14 | Sgt. Dick ‘Rusty’ Manson |
| Squadron of Honor | 1938-06-28 | District Attorney Don Blane |
| Mutiny in the Arctic | 1941-04-17 | Cole |
| A Dangerous Adventure | 1937-07-21 | Tim Sawyer |
| A Fight to the Finish | 1937-06-30 | Duke Mallor |
| Don Winslow of the Navy | 1942-01-06 | Cmdr. Don Winslow |
| Unseen Enemy | 1942-03-10 | William Flynn Hitchcock / Bill Flinn |
| Overland Mail | 1942-09-22 | Buckskin Billy Burke |
| Valley of the Sun | 1942-02-06 | Lieutenant |
| Me, Gangster | 1928-10-20 | Jimmy Williams |
| Don Winslow of the Coast Guard | 1943-04-06 | Comdr. Don Winslow |
| In the Navy | 1941-05-30 | Reef (uncredited) |
| Hold That Ghost | 1941-08-08 | Strangler (uncredited) |
| Fugitives | 1929-01-27 | Dick Starr |
| The Valiant | 1929-05-19 | Policeman (uncredited) |
| Blindfold | 1928-12-09 | Buddy Brower |