Lane Bradford was an American actor who is best known for Zombies of the Stratosphere, The Invisible Monster, and The Toughest Gun in Tombstone.
Personal and Family Life
Lane Bradford was born John Myrtland Le Varre Jr. on August 29, 1922, in Yonkers, New York. He was married twice, first to Joan Irene Velin from 1952 to 1965 and later to Mary Schrock until his death in 1973. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He has notable relatives, including actor André de la Varre Jr., who was his cousin.
Career Highlights
Bradford was known during the 1940s and 1950s for playing tough characters in Western films, often portraying villains. He performed impressive stunts, including some iconic moments such as being underneath a team of horses in a film. Bradford also worked alongside his father, John Merton, in several movies. He retired from acting after his final performance in 1968.
Death and Legacy
Lane Bradford passed away on June 7, 1973, in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to a brain hemorrhage. At the time of his death, he was living on a boat and had retired from his acting career. His contributions to Western cinema are remembered by fans and film historians alike, highlighting his performances in various classic films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| African Treasure | 1952-05-06 | Hardy |
| Black Hills | 1947-10-26 | Henchman Al Cooper |
| The Fighting Redhead | 1949-10-05 | Henchman Windy |
| Target | 1952-04-20 | Garrett |
| The Invisible Monster | 1950-05-10 | Burton |
| Man with the Steel Whip | 1954-07-19 | Tosco |
| The Golden Idol | 1954-01-10 | Joe Hawkins |
| Desert Passage | 1952-05-29 | Langdon |
| The Toughest Gun in Tombstone | 1958-05-14 | Curly Bill Brosius |
| Zombies of the Stratosphere | 1952-07-16 | Marex |
| The Old Frontier | 1950-07-20 | Henchman Spud |
| Lost in Space | 1965-09-15 | Barfly |