David Janssen

Stars

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.

— Michael Seiler in the Los Angeles Times Feb. 14, 1980

Related stars

Mary Tyler Moore
Costar
Dick Powell
Producer
Raymond Burr
Costar

Points of interest

18 thoughts about David Janssen

“

I was young when DJ was on Richard Diamond & The Fugitive and didn't go to movies or watch much TV in the 70's so it wasn't until The Fugitive was shown again in the late 80's and early 90's that I "discovered" David Janssen. He is my all-time favorite TV actor and The Fugitive is my all-time favorite TV show, with Harry O coming in 2nd. Not only was he a gorgeous man and a superb actor, but I have read lots of accounts of how kind and generous a man he was. It is absurd that he never won an Emmy, especially the year The Fugitive won for best dramatic series as it was he who carried the show and made it the success that it was. He most definitely deserves his star on the Walk of Fame. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him or watch him in The Fugitive or one of the many shows that I have in my DJ library. I really regret that I never got to meet him or see him in person. Feb 13,1980 was a sad day when the world had to say goodbye to David Janssen. Gone way too soon...

” — Pam B, May 23, 2012 at 9:11 p.m.

“

I was blessed to have Dave Janssen as a valued friend over the last 15 years of his life. I co-authored "David Janssen-My Fugitive" with his first wife Ellie Janssen. Having been urged and inspired to write another book, a memoir of David Janssen, I am completing "DAVID JANSSEN-Our Conversations". The book will relate hundreds of conversatiions between Dave and me over the last 15 years of his life. Topics include his career; his insecutrities, his marriage to and divorce from Ellie, the two women he truly loved & lost (Suzanne Pleshette & Carol Connors), Producers,Directors, Guest Stars & crews with whom he worked, his marriage & planned divorce from his second wife, Dani and more. The most important for his fans to know is HE was a sensative, passionate and kind man who was dedicated to his craft and to giving his best for his fans. He cared about people.

Mike Phelps
Miami Shores, Florida.

” — Mike Phelps, December 5, 2013 at 3:12 p.m.

“

I first became aware of Mr. Janssen's career in one of his last featured roles in City In Fear (1980).
In a movie featuring many popular television stars of the day (including Mickey Rourke's acting debut) David stood out among the rest. His role as a newspaper columnist trying to cash in his pursuit of a story about a psychotic killer is heroic and tragic. Perhaps my favorite David acting moment is when he dances with his agent in an elevator when he finds out he potentially becomes a rich author. Priceless!!
Later on I enjoyed watching David 70's television work such as Harry O, Birds of Prey, and O'Hara Treasury Agent.

Years later I too 'discovered' him in The Fugitive television series in the 80's,trying to convince everyone I could to watch it. As gratified as I am with the release of the Harrison Ford movie in 1993,I know there is only one 'Fugitive', David Janssen.

” — Patrick Tierney West Babylon New York, March 29, 2014 at 6:53 a.m.

“

What can I say? I have to be David Janssen's number one fan! I loved the Fugitive series so much that I would be late every day for school, for you see, I could not leave until I had seen his handsome face go across the screen lol:-) I would often say that if I ever had a son, his name would be Janssen. My wish came true........I was in Hollywood, California in 1974 and tried to find his home with those maps but, failed in my mission with much disappointment and regret, needless to say I have thought about that often through the years. I remember going into a store in Hollywood that same day and was told by the owner that he David Janssen often would go to buy something. Only wished it was while I was there :-) well, I remain his loyal fan. The day he died was a very sad day for me.....February 13, 1980......My son was born in 1983. As he grew, I told him about his namesake.......he too has become a David Janssen fan:-) We continue to watch the Fugitive series with much enjoyment. Thank you for letting me share this. Oh yeah, about 10 years ago, my son ordered me a wall clock with his photo...:-) I hang it on my room.?........forever in my heart David Janssen xoxoxo--------Rest in Peace until I see you in heaven :-)

” — Pearl Dominica Pires, October 27, 2014 at 10:14 a.m.

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