John Anderson was an American actor who is best known for his roles in films like Psycho, The Twilight Zone, and Eight Men Out. Known for his strong resemblance to Abraham Lincoln, he appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.
Personal and Family Life
John Robert Anderson was born on October 20, 1922, in Clayton, Illinois. He grew up in a joyful environment, with his mother running a cigar stand in Quincy. During World War II, he served in the Coast Guard, protecting convoys from submarine attacks. After the war, he studied drama at the University of Iowa and earned a Master’s degree.
Career
Anderson began his acting career on the riverboat ‘Goldenrod’ and later worked at the Cleveland Playhouse and on Broadway. He became a well-known television actor, portraying characters like Virgil Earp in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp and Herbert Styles in Dallas. He also featured in films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and reprised his role as Abraham Lincoln in The Lincoln Conspiracy.
Death and Legacy
John Anderson passed away from a heart attack on August 7, 1992, at the age of 69 in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. He left behind a rich legacy of performances, particularly noted for his depth in portraying historical figures. His impressive body of work continues to be appreciated by fans and historians of film and television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Psycho | 1960-06-22 | California Charlie |
| Heaven with a Gun | 1969-05-20 | Ase Beck |
| 5 Card Stud | 1968-07-28 | Marshal Dana |
| The Satan Bug | 1965-03-26 | Agent Reagan |
| Eight Men Out | 1988-09-02 | Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis |
| I-Man | 1986-04-06 | Holbrook |
| Executive Action | 1973-11-07 | Halliday |
| Ride the High Country | 1962-06-20 | Elder Hammond |
| Soldier Blue | 1970-08-12 | Col. Iverson |
| Geronimo | 1962-04-27 | Jeremiah Burns |
| Young Billy Young | 1969-10-15 | Boone |
| Namu, the Killer Whale | 1966-08-01 | Joe Clausen |
| Zoot Suit | 1981-10-02 | Judge F.W. Charles |
| Smile Jenny, You’re Dead | 1974-02-03 | Col. John Lockport |
| The Animals | 1970-03-09 | Sheriff Allan Pierce |
| The Stepmother | 1972-10-26 | Inspector Darnezi |
| The Lincoln Conspiracy | 1977-10-01 | Abraham Lincoln |
| The Great Bank Robbery | 1969-06-24 | Mayor Kincaid |