John David Carson was an American actor who is best known for his roles in films like “Pretty Woman,” “Stay Hungry,” and “Empire of the Ants.” He was born on March 6, 1952, in Los Angeles County, California, and passed away on October 27, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada, due to lymphoma.
Personal and Family Life
John Franklin Carson was raised in Hollywood, California. His father, Kit Carson, was also an actor known for his work in Western films, while his mother, Rosemonde James, was a fashion model with some acting experience. Carson began his show business journey as a child, doing commercials, including one where he played a circus ringmaster at a young age. He later voiced characters in Hanna-Barbera cartoons and took part in a college production of “Taming of the Shrew.”
Career Highlights
After starting his career, John had to change his professional name to John David Carson to avoid confusion with the famous TV host Johnny Carson. His career included various roles in films and television, often portraying characters with a “nice guy” persona. He was in a relationship with actress Kim Darby during a difficult time when her ex-husband faced a severe injury from a motorcycle accident.
Death and Legacy
John David Carson died on October 27, 2009, in Las Vegas due to lymphoma. His contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in film and television, left a lasting impact on audiences and peers alike. He is remembered for his performances and the characters he brought to life on screen.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pretty Woman | 1990-03-23 | Mark |
| Stay Hungry | 1976-04-23 | Halsey |
| Empire of the Ants | 1977-06-29 | Joe Morrison |
| Creature from Black Lake | 1976-03-01 | Rives |
| Pretty Maids All in a Row | 1971-04-28 | Ponce de Leon Harper |
| The Savage Is Loose | 1974-11-15 | David |
| The Fifth Floor | 1978-11-15 | Ronnie Denton |
| John Baker’s Last Race | 1976-12-31 | John Baker |
| Call Her Mom | 1972-02-15 | Woody |
| Murder in the First Person Singular | 1974-06-10 | Peter |
| The Day of the Dolphin | 1973-12-19 | Larry |
| Charge of the Model T’s | 1977-11-04 | Lt. Matt Jones |
| Confessions of the D.A. Man | 1978-01-20 | Larry Marshall |
| CHiPs | 1977-09-15 | Wilder |
| Space Ghost and Dino Boy | 1966-09-10 | Dino Boy (voice) |
| Taxi | 1978-09-12 | Kirk Bradshaw |
| The Littlest Hobo | 1979-10-11 | Paul Hamilton |