Jack Donner was an American actor best known for his roles as Romulan Subcommander Tal in Star Trek (1966), as well as numerous guest appearances in Mission: Impossible (1966). He had a long and varied career in film, television, and theater since the 1950s.
Personal and Family Life
Jack Donner was born Jake Doner on October 29, 1928, in Los Angeles, California. He had three marriages, first to Elizabeth R. Ryan, then to Julie Sommars, and finally to Margaret Markov. He lived in Los Angeles for most of his life, where he began his professional career in theater and television. Donner was also a dedicated teacher, founding a drama school that trained several notable actors.
Career Highlights
Donner made significant contributions to television, featuring in iconic series like The Streets of San Francisco, Kojak, and more than eleven episodes of Mission: Impossible—more than any other guest star. He also appeared in both the original Star Trek series and Star Trek: Enterprise, marking him as one of the few actors notable for this crossover. Throughout his career, he showcased his talent across various genres, including horror films, where his deep voice and distinctive looks drew comparisons to legendary actor Vincent Price.
Death and Legacy
Jack Donner passed away on September 21, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. His extensive career in acting has left a lasting impact on both film and television, and he is remembered fondly for his diverse roles and contributions to the entertainment industry. Donner’s work continues to be appreciated by fans of classic television and film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Retro Puppet Master | 1999-11-09 | Afzel |
| Farm House | 2008-10-25 | Dr. Miller |
| Soulkeeper | 2001-01-01 | Smokey |
| Cool Air | 1999-10-15 | Doctor Muñoz |
| All About Evil | 2010-05-01 | Mr. Twigs |
| The Invisible Avenger | 1958-12-02 | Billy Sanchez |
| Johnny Mysto: Boy Wizard | 1997-12-30 | King Arthur |
| Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code: Wedlocked | 2011-10-18 | Jerome, The Old Pirate |
| Anatomy of Deception | 2014-11-02 | Travis |
| Night of the Templar | 2012-05-13 | The Grand Master |
| Demon Under Glass | 2002-06-20 | Dr. William Bassett |
| Exorcism | 2003-08-23 | Father Lansing |
| Gideon | 1998-10-26 | Mr. Taylor |
| Malcolm in the Middle | 2000-01-09 | Old Man |
| Star Trek | 1966-09-08 | Subcommander Tal |
| Mission: Impossible | 1966-09-17 | Stan Sherman |