Staats Cotsworth was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Hamlet (1964), Peyton Place (1957), and The Catholic Hour (1953).
Personal and Family Life
Staats Cotsworth was born on February 17, 1908, in Oak Park, Illinois. He was married twice; first to Muriel Kirkland from 1936 until her death in 1971, and later to Josephine Hutchinson from 1972 until his own passing in 1979. He pursued acting against his parents’ wishes, who wanted him to become a lawyer.
Career
Cotsworth’s acting journey began in New York in 1932 when he joined Eva Le Galienne’s Civic Repertory and Apprentice Group. He was well-known for his role as the lead character in CBS Radio’s “Casey, Crime Photographer,” which aired from 1943 to 1955. Besides acting, he was also a talented painter, having graduated from the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art on a scholarship. Many of his artworks are housed in galleries and private collections. He was recognized as a skilled photographer and served as the president of the Episcopal Actor’s Guild of America.
Death and Legacy
Staats Cotsworth passed away on April 9, 1979, in New York City at the age of 71. At the time of his death, he was listed in ‘Who’s Who in American Art,’ honoring his dual career as an actor and painter. His contributions to theatre, radio, and television have left a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Peyton Place | 1957-12-13 | Charles Partridge |
| They Might Be Giants | 1971-06-09 | Winthrop |
| Dr. Cook’s Garden | 1971-01-19 | Ted Rausch |
| Abe Lincoln in Illinois | 1964-02-02 | Crimm |
| Night of the Dark Full Moon | 1972-11-01 | Wilfred Butler (voice) |
| Certain Honorable Men | 1968-09-12 | Shaddick |
| The Alfred Hitchcock Hour | 1962-09-20 | Vincent |