John Vernon was a Canadian-American actor who is best known for his roles in National Lampoon’s Animal House, Dirty Harry, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. He had a prominent career in film and television, often portraying authority figures and villains.
Personal and Family Life
John Vernon was born Adolphus Raymondus Vernon Agopsowicz on February 24, 1932, in Zehner, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was married to Nancy West, though they eventually divorced, and together they had three children: Nan, Chris, and Kate Vernon. His parents were Adolf Agopsowicz and Eleanore Krückel.
Career Highlights
Vernon was a stage-trained actor who made a mark in Hollywood starting in the 1960s. Renowned for his commanding silvery voice, he appeared in films directed by legendary filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock in “Topaz.” He is particularly memorable for his role as Dean Vernon Wormer in “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” which became one of his signature characters, leading to further roles in comedy.
Death and Legacy
John Vernon passed away on February 1, 2005, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from heart surgery. He left behind a legacy as a talented character actor whose performances in various genres left a lasting impact on audiences.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty Harry | 1971-12-23 | The Mayor |
| Topaz | 1969-12-17 | Rico Parra |
| Animal House | 1978-07-28 | Dean Vernon Wormer |
| The Outlaw Josey Wales | 1976-06-30 | Fletcher |
| Airplane II: The Sequel | 1982-12-10 | Dr. Stone |
| I’m Gonna Git You Sucka | 1988-11-10 | Mr. Big |
| Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman | 2003-10-21 | Rupert Thorne (voice) |
| National Lampoon’s Animal House – TV Spin-off | 1979-01-16 | Dean Vernon Wormer |