David Janssen
Born David Harold Meyer on
March 27, 1931
in Naponee, NE
Died
Feb. 13, 1980
of massive heart attack in Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, CA
Actor David Janssen was almost the perfect TV hero. That special quality was probably most evident in the series "Harry O," produced in the mid-1970s. He played private detective Harry Orwell, a bit cynical but brave, hobbled by the physical infirmities of a hard life catching up with him as he worked his way toward 50. "Harry O" is considered by most TV critics as a small masterpiece of the television form and Janssen an example of the special charisma that very few actors have before the television camera. He played gentle, tentative heroes, perfect for television in the 1960s and '70s but perhaps not quite right for motion pictures. Although TV brought him fame and fortune, Janssen's film career was far less distinguished. Consider the titles: "Bonzo Goes to College," "Dondi," "Ring of Fire," "Hell to Eternity," "Macho Callahan," and "Once Is Not Enough," to name a few. It was television that saved Janssen from a career of B-movie obscurity. First, the actor and producer Dick Powell chose him to portray Richard Diamond, one of the first hard-boiled TV detectives. In the 1957-60 series "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," Janssen's secretary, Sam, appeared only as a pair of legs and a voice. It was Mary Tyler Moore's first TV series role. Then came "The Fugitive," in which he played a Midwestern doctor, Richard Kimble, who was wrongly accused of murdering his wife and who was constantly on the run from the police as he tried to find the real killer, a one-armed man. After "The Fugitive" ran its course, there was what seemed an unending procession of TV movies and miniseries, including 1978's "Centennial." Some were good, some not-so-good, but Janssen was always in demand, always working.
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Four thoughts about David Janssen
David was the love of my life.
I met David in the commissary at Warner Bros Studio when I worked for
Frank Wells and John Calley in the administration department. David and I spent many afternoons in the bungalows on the studio lot,when he was making the film co-starring Rosemary Forsyth as well as a trip to iTALY. I was with David when he got his first "cell" (portable) phone --it was like a poloraid camera case==and when he got curb finders . David was the most adorable man I have ever known -- and he told me once I was the sexiest woman he hhad ever known.
i met david janssen at del mar race track in the summer of 1972.i was with my grandfather and his friend actor alan baxter.mr baxter had a couple of small roles in the fugitive.it was an honor to meet mr. janssen.38 years ago and it will never be forgotton.big moment for a teen from buffalo,ny
I saw David Janssen leaving a studio in L.A. in 1973. He walked right by me close enough to touch and then proceeded to the parking lot, where he graciously posed for photos with a mother and her child in front of his Rolls Royce. I still remeber that he wore a tan suit and sun glases and looked very much the star he was.
Mr. Janssen has always been one of my favourite TV idols!. His good looks and stylish walk was a thing to be cherished. In fact, I liked him so much that I have the same hairtstyle as him. Perhaps, the only movie that he did not live up to his caliber as an actor was in "Once Is Not Enough", because he said some profanity and that lowered his dignity. However, after that he regained much admiration and respect in "Centennial". Let us hope that his legacy will someday be completed with the release of "Harry O - Season 1 & 2" on dvd.
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