John Kerr was an American actor who is best known for “Tea and Sympathy,” “South Pacific,” and “The Pit and the Pendulum.” He had a successful career in both theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
John Kerr was born on November 15, 1931, in Manhattan, New York City. He had a notable background in the arts, as both his parents were successful Broadway and film actors. Kerr was married twice; first to Priscilla Smith from 1952 until their divorce in 1972, with whom he had three children. His second marriage was to Barbara Ann Wong Chu in 1979, lasting until his death in 2013. Kerr had a total of five children, including twin daughters and two stepchildren.
Career Highlights
Kerr’s career took off after his graduation from Harvard, leading to key roles in theater productions like “Bernadine” and “Tea and Sympathy.” He also became well-known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Joe Cable in the musical “South Pacific.” In addition to his acting, Kerr returned to school in the 1960s, earning his law degree from UCLA and practicing law until retiring in 2000.
Death and Legacy
John Kerr passed away on February 2, 2013, in Los Angeles, California, due to congestive heart failure. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor and a respected attorney, remembered for his significant contributions to both fields.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Silent Partner | 1978-09-07 | Detective #3 |
| The Pit and the Pendulum | 1961-08-12 | Francis Barnard |
| Tea and Sympathy | 1956-09-27 | Tom Robinson Lee |
| The Cobweb | 1955-06-07 | Steven W. Holte |
| Yuma | 1971-03-02 | Capt. White |
| South Pacific | 1958-03-18 | Lt. Joseph Cable, USMC |
| The F.B.I. | 1965-09-19 | SAC Gary Morgan |
| Class of ’44 | 1973-04-10 | Hotel Bartender |
| Columbo | 1971-09-15 | Roger Dutton |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Lute |