Harvey Stephens

Harvey Stephens
Stephens in Swing High, Swing Low (1937)
Born	(1901-08-21)August 21, 1901 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	December 22, 1986(1986-12-22) (aged 85) Laguna Hills, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1931–1965

Harvey Stephens (August 21, 1901 – December 22, 1986)^[1] was an American actor, known initially for his performances in Broadway productions, and thereafter for his work in film and on television. He was most active in film beginning in the 1930s and through the mid-1940s. Beginning in the mid-1950s, he transitioned to television and enjoyed success there through the 1960s.

Stephens was also an avid competitive glider pilot. He was inducted into the Soaring Hall of Fame in 1966 for his contributions to the sport.

Broadway

At the Times Square Theatre, Stephens appeared as Sam Worthing in Other Men's Wives, written by Walter C. Hackett, late in 1929. He also appeared as Richard Wadsworth in Dishonored Lady (1930), as Gail Redman in Tomorrow and Tomorrow (1931),^[2] as Joe Fisk in The Animal Kingdom (1932),^[2] Fred Barton in Best Years (1932), Bruce Blakely in The Party's Over (1933), and John Palmer in Conquest (1933). He also appeared in South Pacific as Commander Harbison, alongside Mary Martin; he was one of only two cast members who did not sing.^[2]

Film

Stephens made his leading debut opposite Tallulah Bankhead in The Cheat (1931). After appearing in The Texans (1938) and The Oklahoma Kid (1939), he began appearing in many Western films, although he also appeared with Gary Cooper, Joan Leslie, and Walter Brennan in Sergeant York (1941).

Television

Stephens appeared on a number of television shows beginning in the early 1950s and continuing through the late 1960s, including 77 Sunset Strip, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and multiple episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Wagon Train, Perry Mason, and Bonanza.

Activities outside of acting

Beginning in the late 1930s, Stephens was one of the earliest major proponents of gliders,^[3] and pursued an interest in the sport throughout his life.^[4] In 1937, Harland Ross custom built a glider for Stephens, which became the Ross RS-1 Zanonia (The "RS" designation stands for "Ross-Stephens"). He organized a number of competitions and was still participating after his retirement from acting into the 1960s.

Selected filmography

References