William Edmondson was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Naked City, The Twilight Zone, and Bonanza.
Personal and Family Life
William Edmondson was born on October 15, 1902, in Spokane, Washington. He married Marian, and together they had two children. Little is known about his family life, but it is clear that he had a passion for the performing arts from an early age.
Career
Edmondson started his career in the 1920s after studying at Spokane College. He worked with the Lafayette Players, a prominent African-American theater group, and appeared in films produced by Oscar Micheaux. Throughout his life, he transitioned from stage acting to television, making appearances in several popular shows during the 1950s and 1960s.
Death and Legacy
William Edmondson passed away on May 28, 1979, in Los Angeles from a heart attack. His contributions to early black cinema and theater have been largely overlooked, but he remains an important figure in the history of entertainment. Efforts to acknowledge his work are ongoing, particularly among fans of the Golden Age of radio.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Naked City | 1958 | Cut Man |
| The Twilight Zone | 1959-1961 | Jiggs, Bartender |
| Bonanza | 1962 | Blacksmith |
| Police Woman | 1977 | Security Guard |
| The Flying Nun | 1968 | Man |
| Richard Diamond, Private Detective | 1960 | Big Otto Deutsch |
| The Aquanauts | 1961 | N/A |