Noah Beery Jr. was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Rockford Files,” “Walking Tall,” and “Red River.” He had a long career in films and television, becoming a familiar face as a supporting character actor.
Personal and Family Life
Noah Beery Jr. was born on August 10, 1913, in New York City, New York. He grew up in a showbiz family as the son of actor Noah Beery and had close relatives in the industry, including Wallace Beery. He was married twice; first to Maxine Evelyn Jones, with whom he had three children, and later to Bobbie Lucile (Lisa) Thorman until his death.
Career Highlights
Beery began his acting career at the young age of 19, taking on second leads in many Western films. Over the years, he became well-known for his good-natured characters, particularly as the father figure “Rocky Rockford” on the hit television series “The Rockford Files.” One of his favorite roles was in the classic film “Red River,” which showcased his acting range.
Death and Legacy
Noah Beery Jr. passed away on November 1, 1994, in Tehachapi, California, due to cerebral thrombosis. He left behind a legacy as a beloved character actor who brought warmth and charm to his roles, being remembered fondly by fans of classic television and film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Heaven with a Gun | 1969-05-20 | Garvey |
| Red River | 1948-08-26 | Buster McGee |
| Walking Tall | 1973-02-22 | Carl Pusser |
| Beyond Witch Mountain | 1982-02-20 | Uncle Ben |
| The Trail Beyond | 1934-10-22 | Wabi |
| 7 Faces of Dr. Lao | 1964-03-18 | Tim Mitchell |
| The Mark of Zorro | 1920-12-05 | Boy (uncredited) |
| War Arrow | 1953-12-26 | Sgt. Augustus Wilks |
| The Cimarron Kid | 1952-01-13 | Bob Dalton |
| Only Angels Have Wings | 1939-05-15 | Joe Souther |