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{{Short description|American actor (1916–2014)}}

{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image = Don Keefer.jpg.png
| image = Don Keefer in One Step Beyond (Message from Clara).jpg
| caption = Keefer in the TV series ''[[:en:Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond|One Step Beyond]]'', episode ''Message from Clara'', 1959
| name = Don Keefer
| name = Don Keefer
| birth_name = Donald Hood Keefer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/27/arts/don-keefer-actor-who-had-bad-thoughts-on-twilight-zone-dies-at-98.html?_r=0|title=Don Keefer, Actor Who Had Bad Thoughts on ‘Twilight Zone’, Dies at 98|work=[[The New York Times]].com|accessdate=September 27, 2014}}</ref>
| birth_name = Donald Hood Keefer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/27/arts/don-keefer-actor-who-had-bad-thoughts-on-twilight-zone-dies-at-98.html?_r=0|title=Don Keefer, Actor Who Had Bad Thoughts on ‘Twilight Zone’, Dies at 98|work=[[The New York Times]].com|access-date=September 27, 2014}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1916|08|18}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1916|8|18}}
| birth_place = [[Highspire, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Highspire, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2014|09|07|1916|08|18}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2014|9|7|1916|8|18}}
| death_place = Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.
| death_place = [[Sherman Oaks, California]], U.S.
| residence = [[Sherman Oaks, California]]
| occupation = Actor
| occupation = [[Actor]]
| yearsactive = 1947–1997
| yearsactive = 1947–1997
| spouse = [[Catherine McLeod]] Keefer (1950–97, her death)
| spouse = {{Marriage|[[Catherine McLeod]] |1950|1997|reason=d}}
| children = Donald McLeod Keefer<br />John H. Keefer<br />Thomas James Keefer
| children = 3
}}
}}


'''Donald Hood Keefer''' (August 18, 1916&nbsp;– September 7, 2014) was an American [[actor]] known for his versatility in performing comedic, as well as highly dramatic, roles. In an acting career that spanned more than 50 years, he appeared in hundreds of stage, film, and television productions. He was a founding member of [[Actors Studio|The Actors Studio]],<ref>{{cite book|quote=Also [in Lewis' class were] Henry Barnard, Jay Barney, John Becher, Philip Bourneuf, Joan Chandler, Peter Cookson, Stephen Elliott, Robert Emhardt, Joy Geffen, William Hansen, Will Hare, Jane Hoffman, George Keane, Don Keefer, George Matthews, Peggy Meredith, Ty Perry, Margaret Phillips, David Pressman, William Prince, Elliot Reid, Frances Reid, Kurt Richards, Elizabeth Ross, Thelma Schnee, Joshua Shelley, Fed Stewart, John Straub, Michael Strong, John Sylvester, Julie Warren, Mary Welch, Lois Wheeler, and William Woodson.|first=David |last=Garfield|title=A Player's Place: The Story of The Actors Studio|year=1980|publisher=MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc.|location=New York|isbn=0-02-542650-8|page=52|chapter=Birth of The Actors Studio: 1947–1950}}</ref> and he performed in both the original Broadway play and 1951 film versions of [[Arthur Miller]]'s ''[[Death of a Salesman (1951 film)|Death of a Salesman]]''. His longest-lasting roles on television were in 10 episodes each of ''[[Gunsmoke]]'', the [[Columbia Broadcasting System|CBS]] series starring [[James Arness]], and ''[[Angel (1960 TV series)|Angel]]'', a 1960–1961 [[situation comedy|sitcom]] featuring [[French-American]] actress [[Annie Fargé]].<ref name=imdb>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0444411/|title=''Don Keefer''|website=[[Internet Movie Data Base]]|accessdate=March 31, 2009}}</ref>
'''Donald Hood Keefer''' (August 18, 1916 – September 7, 2014) was an American actor known for his versatility in performing comedic, as well as highly dramatic, roles. In an acting career that spanned more than 50 years, he appeared in hundreds of stage, film, and television productions. He was a founding member of [[Actors Studio|The Actors Studio]],<ref>{{cite book|quote=Also [in Lewis' class were] Henry Barnard, Jay Barney, John Becher, Philip Bourneuf, Joan Chandler, Peter Cookson, Stephen Elliott, Robert Emhardt, Joy Geffen, William Hansen, Will Hare, Jane Hoffman, George Keane, Don Keefer, George Matthews, Peggy Meredith, Ty Perry, Margaret Phillips, David Pressman, William Prince, Elliot Reid, Frances Reid, Kurt Richards, Elizabeth Ross, Thelma Schnee, Joshua Shelley, Fed Stewart, John Straub, Michael Strong, John Sylvester, Julie Warren, Mary Welch, Lois Wheeler, and William Woodson.|first=David |last=Garfield|title=A Player's Place: The Story of The Actors Studio|url=https://archive.org/details/playersplacestor00garf|url-access=registration|year=1980|publisher=MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc.|location=New York|isbn=0-02-542650-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/playersplacestor00garf/page/52 52]|chapter=Birth of The Actors Studio: 1947–1950}}</ref> and he performed in both the original Broadway play and 1951 film versions of [[Arthur Miller]]'s ''[[Death of a Salesman (1951 film)|Death of a Salesman]]''. His longest-lasting roles on television were in 10 episodes each of ''[[Gunsmoke]]'' and ''[[Angel (1960 TV series)|Angel]]''.


==Early life and career==
==Early life and career==
Donald Hood Keefer was born in [[Highspire, Pennsylvania]], on August 18, 1916. His parents, John E. Keefer, a butcher, and Edna Hood Keefer, had three sons; he was the youngest of those boys.<ref>Yardley, William (2014). [https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2014/09/27/don-keefer-dies-had-bad-thoughts-twilight-zone/0DSFOi0wWwdeM9ej45qo1O/story.html "Don Keefer], 98; had role in classic 'Twilight Zone'". ''The Boston Globe,'' September 28, 2014; updated reprint from ''The New York Times.'' Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> When he was in his early 20s, Keefer moved to New York City, where he attended the [[American Academy of Dramatic Arts]], graduating from that prestigious acting school in 1939. That same year, at the [[1939 New York World's Fair|New York World's Fair]], he performed various roles on stage in excerpts of works by [[William Shakespeare]].<ref>[https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2014/09/27/don-keefer-dies-had-bad-thoughts-twilight-zone/0DSFOi0wWwdeM9ej45qo1O/story.html Yardley], ''The Boston Globe.'' Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> During the 1940s, Keefer found work as supporting characters in Broadway plays such as ''Junior Miss'' and ''Othello''. He also began studying [[method acting]] in [[Manhattan]] as an early member of The Actors Studio.<ref name="Yardley">[https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2014/09/27/don-keefer-dies-had-bad-thoughts-twilight-zone/0DSFOi0wWwdeM9ej45qo1O/story.html Yardley]. Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> In this period, he gained some early experience and performed in the new medium of television. In 1947, Keefer appeared in a televised presentation of Shakespeare's play ''[[Twelfth Night]]'' and in an episode of the [[anthology series]] ''[[Kraft Television Theatre]]''. The next year, he performed again on ''Kraft Theatre'' in an episode titled "The Silver Cord".<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0444411/ "Don Keffer",] ([[IMDb]]). Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref>
Born in [[Highspire, Pennsylvania]] in August 1916, Donald Keefer was the youngest of three sons of Edna (née Hood) and John E. Keefer, who worked as a butcher.<ref>Yardley, William (2014). [https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2014/09/27/don-keefer-dies-had-bad-thoughts-twilight-zone/0DSFOi0wWwdeM9ej45qo1O/story.html "Don Keefer], 98; had role in classic 'Twilight Zone'". ''The Boston Globe,'' September 28, 2014; updated reprint from ''The New York Times.'' Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> When he was in his early twenties, "Don" moved to New York City, where he attended the [[American Academy of Dramatic Arts]], graduating from that prestigious acting school in 1939. That same year, at the [[1939 New York World's Fair|New York World's Fair]], he performed various roles on stage in excerpts of works by [[William Shakespeare]].<ref>[https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2014/09/27/don-keefer-dies-had-bad-thoughts-twilight-zone/0DSFOi0wWwdeM9ej45qo1O/story.html Yardley], ''The Boston Globe.'' Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> During the 1940s, Keefer found work as supporting characters in Broadway plays such as ''Junior Miss'' and ''Othello''. He also began studying [[method acting]] in [[Manhattan]] as an early member of The Actors Studio.<ref name="Yardley">[https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2014/09/27/don-keefer-dies-had-bad-thoughts-twilight-zone/0DSFOi0wWwdeM9ej45qo1O/story.html Yardley]. Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> In this period, he gained some early experience and performed in the new medium of television. In 1947, Keefer appeared in a televised presentation of Shakespeare's play ''[[Twelfth Night]]'' and in an episode of the [[anthology series]] ''[[Kraft Television Theatre]]''. The next year, he performed again on ''Kraft Theatre'' in an episode titled "The Silver Cord".


By 1949, Keefer was back on Broadway as a cast member in the acclaimed production of Arthur Miller's play ''[[Death of a Salesman]]'', directed by [[Elia Kazan]]. Keefer's exposure in that play led to his first movie role, reprising his performance as Bernard in the 1951 film version of ''Death of a Salesman''.<ref name="Yardley"/> He soon appeared in other films, including ''The Girl in White'' (1952), ''[[The Caine Mutiny (film)|The Caine Mutiny]]'' (1954), ''Six Bridges to Cross'' (1955), ''[[Away All Boats]]'' (1956), and ''[[Hellcats of the Navy]]'' (1957).<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0444411/ IMDb]. Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> Increasingly, however, Keefer in the 1950s began focusing on performing on the "small screen", accepting more roles in a wide variety of television series.
By 1949, Keefer was back on Broadway as a cast member in the acclaimed production of Arthur Miller's play ''[[Death of a Salesman]]'', directed by [[Elia Kazan]]. Keefer's exposure in that play led to his first movie role, reprising his performance as Bernard in the 1951 film version of ''Death of a Salesman''.<ref name="Yardley"/> He soon appeared in other films, including ''The Girl in White'' (1952), ''[[The Caine Mutiny (1954 film)|The Caine Mutiny]]'' (1954), ''Six Bridges to Cross'' (1955), ''[[Away All Boats]]'' (1956), and ''[[Hellcats of the Navy]]'' (1957). Increasingly, however, Keefer in the 1950s began focusing on performing on the "small screen", accepting more roles in a wide variety of television series.


==Later films and television==
==Later films and television==
Keefer appeared in dozens of [[television series]]. He also had small roles in some feature films, including [[Woody Allen]]'s ''[[Sleeper (1973 film)|Sleeper]]''. In 1966, he played the character Irving Christiansen in the movie ''[[The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming]]''. He also had a small role in Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone prequel “Time Element” in 1958, starring William Benedix, Darryl Hickman and Martin Balsam. Keefer gave a moving performance as Dan in The Twilight Zone S3 E8 "It's a Good Life" (1961), whose birthday party turns fatal when he opposes six year old Anthony, played by Billy Mumy.
Keefer appeared in dozens of [[television series]], including other early anthologies: ''[[Fireside Theatre]]'', ''[[Armstrong Circle Theatre]]'', ''[[The Philco Television Playhouse]]'', the ''[[United States Steel Hour]]'', ''[[Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond]]'', ''[[The DuPont Show with June Allyson]]'', and ''[[Death Valley Days]]''. In 1957, Keefer appeared as McNair in the episode "Ito of Attu" on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] ''[[Navy Log]]''. That same year, he appeared with [[David Janssen]] as the character Reagan in "Big Score" of the CBS series ''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]''. In 1958, he appeared as Ed Locke in the episode "Wild Green Yonder" of the [[Television syndication|syndicated]] [[crime drama]] ''[[State Trooper (TV series)|State Trooper]]'', starring [[Rod Cameron (actor)|Rod Cameron]]. In 1959, Keefer appeared as John Alastair in the episode "Death Is a Red Rose" of the [[Craig Stevens (actor)|Craig Stevens]] NBC [[crime drama]] ''[[Peter Gunn]]''. Keefer performed in three episodes of CBS's anthology ''[[Alfred Hitchcock Presents]]'': in the role of Dr. Elkins in "The Indestructible Mr. Weems" (1957), as Pete Williams in "The Percentage" (1958), and as a tax clerk in "The Kiss-Off" (1961).<ref name=imdb/> He also had small roles in some feature films, including [[Woody Allen]]'s ''[[Sleeper (1973 film)|Sleeper]]''. In 1966, he played the character Irving Christiansen in the movie ''[[The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming]]''.<ref name=imdb/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
On May 7, 1950, Keefer married the actress [[Catherine McLeod]], and the couple remained married for 47 years, until her death on May 11, 1997.{{Citation needed |date=August 2021}}
On May 7, 1950, Keefer married the actress [[Catherine McLeod]], and the couple remained married for 47 years, until her death on May 11, 1997. At the time of Catherine's death, the Keefers were living in [[Sherman Oaks, California|Sherman Oaks]] in the [[San Fernando Valley]] of [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]], California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi|title=Social Security Death Index|publisher=Rootsweb.ancestry.com|accessdate=March 31, 2009}}</ref> The three Keefer sons are Donald McLeod, John H., and Thomas James.<ref>Internet: People Search, Background Check</ref> Don Keefer died at the age of 98 on September 7, 2014, and his burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in [[Santa Monica, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/don-keefer-dead-twilight-zone-735614|title=Don Keefer, Who Was Turned Into a Jack-in-the-Box on 'The Twilight Zone,' Dies at 98|author=Mike Barnes|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=December 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>C.S. (2014). [https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=136436796 "Don Keefer",] [[Find a Grave]] memorial (136436796) with biographical profile and related photographs created September 26, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref>

In 1957, Don played husband to Catherine on an episode of ''[[Gunsmoke]]'' titled “Wrong Man” (S2E29), his character being a homesteader turned cowardly killer and abusive husband who she finally leaves.

At the time of Catherine's death (following his retirement in acting), the Keefers were living in [[Sherman Oaks, California|Sherman Oaks]] in the [[San Fernando Valley]] of [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]], California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi|title=Social Security Death Index|publisher=Rootsweb.ancestry.com|access-date=March 31, 2009}}</ref> The three Keefer sons are Donald McLeod, John H., and Thomas James.<ref>Internet: People Search, Background Check</ref> Keefer died at the age of 98 on September 7, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/don-keefer-dead-twilight-zone-735614|title=Don Keefer, Who Was Turned Into a Jack-in-the-Box on 'The Twilight Zone,' Dies at 98|author=Mike Barnes|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 18, 2014}}</ref>


==Films roles==
==Films roles==
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*''[[The Girl in White]]'' (1952) - Dr. Williams
*''[[The Girl in White]]'' (1952) - Dr. Williams
*''[[Riot in Cell Block 11]]'' (1954) - Reporter
*''[[Riot in Cell Block 11]]'' (1954) - Reporter
*''[[The Caine Mutiny (film)|The Caine Mutiny]]'' (1954) - Court Stenographer - Yeoman 1st Class (uncredited)
*''[[The Caine Mutiny (1954 film)|The Caine Mutiny]]'' (1954) - Court Stenographer, Yeoman 1st Class (uncredited)
*''[[The Human Jungle (film)|The Human Jungle]]'' (1954) - Det. Cleary
*''[[The Human Jungle (film)|The Human Jungle]]'' (1954) - Detective Cleary
*''[[Six Bridges to Cross]]'' (1955) - Sherman
*''[[Six Bridges to Cross]]'' (1955) - Sherman
*''[[An Annapolis Story]]'' (1955) - Air Officer (uncredited)
*''[[An Annapolis Story]]'' (1955) - Air Officer (uncredited)
*''[[Away All Boats]]'' (1956) - Ens. Twitchell
*''[[Away All Boats]]'' (1956) - Ensign Twitchell
*''[[Hellcats of the Navy]]'' (1957) - Jug
*''[[Hellcats of the Navy]]'' (1957) - Jug
*''[[Torpedo Run]]'' (1958) - Ens. Ron Milligan
*''[[Torpedo Run]]'' (1958) - Ensign Ron Milligan
*''[[Cash McCall]]'' (1960) - Junior Partner (uncredited)
*''[[Cash McCall]]'' (1960) - Junior Partner (uncredited)
*''[[The Clown and the Kid]]'' (1961) - Moko
*''[[The Clown and the Kid]]'' (1961) - Moko
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*''[[Candy Stripe Nurses]]'' (1974) - Dr. Wilson
*''[[Candy Stripe Nurses]]'' (1974) - Dr. Wilson
*''[[Billy Jack Goes to Washington]]'' (1977) - Bailey Associate
*''[[Billy Jack Goes to Washington]]'' (1977) - Bailey Associate
*''[[The Car]]'' (1977) - Dr. Pullbrook
*''[[The Car (1977 film)|The Car]]'' (1977) - Dr. Pullbrook
*''[[Fire Sale (film)|Fire Sale]]'' (1977) - Banker
*''[[Fire Sale (film)|Fire Sale]]'' (1977) - Banker
*''Mirrors'' (1978) - Peter
*''[[Mirrors (1978 film)|Mirrors]]'' (1978) - Peter
*''The Kid from Not-So-Big'' (1978) - Hank 'Gramps' Goodman
*''The Kid from Not-So-Big'' (1978) - Hank 'Gramps' Goodman
*''[[The Last Word (1979 film)|The Last Word]]'' (1979) - Mayor Wenzel
*''[[The Last Word (1979 film)|The Last Word]]'' (1979) - Mayor Wenzel
*''[[Creepshow]]'' (1982) - Mike the Janitor (segment "The Crate")
*''[[Creepshow]]'' (1982) - Mike the Janitor (segment "The Crate")
*''[[The Marrying Man]]'' (1991) - Justice #3
*''[[The Marrying Man]]'' (1991) - Justice #3
*''[[Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter]]'' (CBS, 1991) (TV movie) - Grandpa Ball
*''[[Liar Liar]]'' (1997) - Beggar at Courthouse (final film role)
*''[[Liar Liar]]'' (1997) - Beggar at Courthouse (final film role)
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
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;Keefer's ''Gunsmoke'' appearances included three half-hour episodes and seven full one-hour broadcasts that aired from 1957-1973:
;Keefer's ''Gunsmoke'' appearances included three half-hour episodes and seven full one-hour broadcasts that aired from 1957-1973:
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*"Wrong Man" (13 April 1957) - as the character Sam Rickers
*"Wrong Man" (13 April 1957) (Season 2 Episode 29) - as the character Sam Rickers
*"Bad Sheriff" (7 January 1961) - Chet
*"Bad Sheriff" (7 January 1961) (Season 6 Episode 17) - Chet
*"Coventry" (17 March 1962) - Rankin
*"Coventry" (17 March 1962) (Season 7 Episode 24) - Rankin
*"Quint-Cident" (27 April 1963) - Nally
*"Quint-Cident" (27 April 1963) (Season 8 Episode 33) - Nally
*"The Pariah" (17 April 1965) - Newspaper editor
*"The Pariah" (17 April 1965) (Season 10 Episode 30) - Newspaper editor
*"Taps for Old Jeb" (16 October 1965) - Milty Sims
*"Taps for Old Jeb" (16 October 1965) (Season 11 Episode 5) - Milty Sims
*"Champion of the World" (24 December 1966) - Wally
*"Champion of the World" (24 December 1966) (Season 12 Episode 14) - Wally
*"Gentry's Law" (12 October 1970) - Floyd Babcock
*"Gentry's Law" (12 October 1970) (Season 16 Episode 5) - Floyd Babcock
*"Waste: Part 1" (27 September 1971) - Drunk
*"Waste: Part 1" (27 September 1971) (Season 17 Episode 3) - Drunk
*"Kitty's Love Affair" (22 October 1973) - Turner
*"Kitty's Love Affair" (22 October 1973) (Season 19 Episode 6) - Turner
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


;Keefer appeared in more than a dozen other western series:
;Keefer appeared in more than a dozen other western series:
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*''[[Wagon Train]]'' in "The Tom Tuckett Story" (NBC, 1960)
*''[[Have Gun - Will Travel]]'' (CBS, 1957–1960) (3 episodes)
**(Season 1 Episode 4: "Winchester Quarantine") (1957) as Kelso
*''[[Hotel de Paree]]'' as Red Porterfield in "Sundance and the Barren Soil" (CBS, 1960)
**(Season 2 Episode 13: "The Solid Gold Patrol") (1958) as Colonel Barlowe
*''[[Rawhide (TV series)|Rawhide]]'' as Hames in "Incident of the Druid Curse" (CBS, 1960)
**(Season 4 Episode 7: "The Tender Gun") (1960) as Corcoran, Gun Drummer
*''[[Have Gun - Will Travel]]'', three episodes (CBS, 1957–1960)
*''[[Wagon Train]]'' (NBC, 1960) (Season 3 Episode 21: "The Tom Tuckett Story") as Major Anderson
*''[[Whispering Smith (TV series)|Whispering Smith]]'' as Dr. Johnson in "The Deadliest Weapon" (NBC, 1961)
*''[[Hotel de Paree]]'' (CBS, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 30: "Sundance and the Barren Soil") as Red Porterfield
*''[[The Dakotas (TV series)|The Dakotas]]'' as a minister in "Feud at Snake River" (ABC, 1963)
*''[[Rawhide (TV series)|Rawhide]]'' (CBS, 1960) (Season 2 Episode 13: "Incident of the Druid Curse") as Hames
*''[[Death Valley Days]]'' as a military officer in "The Hero of Apache Pass" (Syndicated, 1966)
*''[[Whispering Smith (TV series)|Whispering Smith]]'' (NBC, 1961) (Season 1 Episode 7: "The Deadliest Weapon") as Dr. Johnson
*''[[Dundee and the Culhane]]'' as Johnson in "The Dead Man's Brief" (CBS, 1967)
*''[[The Dakotas (TV series)|The Dakotas]]'' (ABC, 1963) (Season 1 Episode 17: "Feud at Snake River") as Minister
*''[[Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color]]'' as John Prentice in two episodes of the ''Gallegher'' [[miniseries]]. [[Roger Mobley]] played the part of Gallegher. (NBC, 1967)
*''[[Death Valley Days]]'' (Syndicated, 1966-1968) (3 episodes)
*''[[The Iron Horse (TV series)|The Iron Horse]]'' as Blake in "Sister Death" (ABC, 1967)
**(Season 15 Episode 8: "Samaritans- Mountain Style") (1966) as Gilpin, Newspaperman
*''[[The Outcasts (U.S. TV series)|The Outcasts]]'' in "The Man from Bennington" (ABC, 1968)
**(Season 15 Episode 11: "The Hero of Apache Pass") (1966) as Colonel, the Commandant
*''[[Cimarron Strip]]'' as Bolt in "The Judgment" (CBS, 1968)
**(Season 17 Episode 8: "Lady with a Past") (1968) as Mr. Adams
*''[[The Guns of Will Sonnett]]'' in two episodes (ABC, 1968–1969)
*''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' in three episodes (NBC, 1966–1969)
*''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' (NBC, 1966–1969) (3 episodes)
**(Season 4 Episode 25: "The Return of Golden Tom") (1966) as Ross Tedler
*''[[The High Chaparral]]'' as a telegrapher in "Spokes" (NBC, 1970)
**(Season 6 Episode 12: "The Barren Ground") (1967) as Station Master
*''[[Alias Smith and Jones]]'' as Dr. Hiram Wilson in "The Man Who Murdered Himself" (ABC, 1971)
**(Season 7 Episode 16: "Last Grave at Socorro Creek") (1969) as Undertaker
*''[[Nichols (TV series)|Nichols]]'' in "The Specialists" (NBC, 1971)
*''[[Dundee and the Culhane]]'' (CBS, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 5: "The Dead Man's Brief") as Johnson
*''[[Bonanza]]'' as Billy Harris in "The Running Man" and as Tobias Temple in "The Rattlesnake Brigade" (NBC, 1971)
*''[[Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color]]'' (NBC, 1967) (2 episodes of the ''Gallegher'' [[miniseries]]) ([[Roger Mobley]] played the part of Gallegher)
*''[[Kung Fu (TV series)|Kung Fu]]'' in two episodes (ABC, 1974 and 1975)<ref name=imdb/>
**(Season 13 Episode 18: "Gallegher Goes West: Tragedy on the Trail") as John Prentice
**(Season 13 Episode 19: "Gallegher Goes West: Trial by Terror") as John Prentice
*''[[The Iron Horse (TV series)|The Iron Horse]]'' (ABC, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 30: "Sister Death") as Blake
*''[[The Outcasts (U.S. TV series)|The Outcasts]]'' (ABC, 1968) (Season 1 Episode 10: "The Man from Bennington") as Case
*''[[Cimarron Strip]]'' (CBS, 1968) (Season 1 Episode 15: "The Judgment") as Bolt
*''[[The Guns of Will Sonnett]]'' (ABC, 1968–1969) (2 episodes)
**(Season 1 Episode 19: "End of the Rope") (1968) as Prosecutor
**(Season 2 Episode 21: "One Angry Juror") (1969) as Sawyer
*''[[Bonanza]]'' (NBC, 1969-1971) (2 episodes)
**(Season 10 Episode 26: "The Running Man") (1969) as Billy Harris
**(Season 13 Episode 11: "The Rattlesnake Brigade") (1971) as Tobias Temple
*''[[The High Chaparral]]'' (NBC, 1970) (Season 4 Episode 2: "Spokes") as Telegrapher
*''[[Alias Smith and Jones]]'' (ABC, 1971) (Season 1 Episode 10: "The Man Who Murdered Himself") as Dr. Hiram Wilson
*''[[Nichols (TV series)|Nichols]]'' (NBC, 1971) (Season 1 Episode 7: "The Specialists") as Burt Lincoln
*''[[Kung Fu (1972 TV series)|Kung Fu]]'' (ABC, 1974-1975) (2 episodes)
**(Season 3 Episode 7: "Cry of the Night Beast") (1974) as Stripper
**(Season 3 Episode 19: "Flight to Orion") (1975) as Station Keeper
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


==''Angel'' and other comedies==
==''Angel'' and other comedies==
On ''Angel'', Keefer portrayed the neighbor "George", husband of "Susie", a character played by [[Doris Singleton]], a veteran of the original ''[[I Love Lucy]]'' series. [[Marshall Thompson]] (1925–1992) played Johnny Smith, a young [[architect]] and the husband of Fargé's Angel Smith character. Keefer's ''Angel'' roles include:
On ''Angel'', Keefer portrayed the neighbor "George", husband of "Susie", a character played by [[Doris Singleton]], a veteran of the original ''[[I Love Lucy]]'' series. [[Marshall Thompson]] (1925–1992) played Johnny Smith, a young [[architect]] and the husband of Fargé's Angel Smith character. Keefer's ''Angel'' roles include 26 credited episodes:


{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*"Voting Can Be Fun" (13 October 1960) (Season 1 Episode 2)
*"Goodbye Young Lovers"
*"Voting Can Be Fun" (13 October 1960)
*"Angel's Temper" (10 November 1960) (Season 1 Episode 5)
*"The Valedictorian" (15 December 1960) (Season 1 Episode 10)
*"Angel's Temper" (10 November 1960)
*"The Dowry" (19 January 1961) (Season 1 Episode 14)
*"The Valedictorian" (15 December 1960)
*"The Dowry" (19 January 1961)
*"The Joint Bank Account" (2 February 1961) (Season 1 Episode 16)
*"The Joint Bank Account" (2 February 1961)
*"Call Me Mother" (9 February 1961) (Season 1 Episode 17)
*"Call Me Mother" (9 February 1961)
*"Phone Fun" (22 March 1961) (Season 1 Episode 22)
*"Phone Fun" (22 March 1961)
*"Unpopular Mechanics" (19 April 1961) (Season 1 Episode 26)
*"Unpopular Mechanics" (19 April 1961)
*"The Trailer" (10 May 1961) (Season 1 Episode 29)
*"The Trailer" (10 May 1961)<ref name=imdb/>
*"Goodbye, Young Lovers" (17 May 1961) (Season 1 Episode 30)
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}



;The following are a selection of other sitcoms in which Keefer performed:
;The following are a selection of other sitcoms in which Keefer performed:
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*''[[Window on Main Street]]'' in "Girl with the Rose Colored Eyes" (CBS, 1962)
*''[[Window on Main Street]]'' (CBS, 1962) (Season 1 Episode 18: "Girl with the Rose Colored Eyes")
*''[[Car 54, Where Are You?]]'' as Dr. R.L. Mitchell, psychiatrist, in "Remember St. Petersburg" (1962)
*''[[Car 54, Where Are You?]]'' (1962) (Season 2 Episode 7: "Remember St. Petersburg") as Dr. R.L. Mitchell, psychiatrist
*''[[The Real McCoys]]'' as Harry Porter in "The Peacemakers" (CBS, 1963)
*''[[The Real McCoys]]'' (CBS, 1963) (Season 6 Episode 36: "The Peacemakers") as Harry Porter
*''[[My Favorite Martian]]'', two episodes (CBS, 1964)
*''[[My Favorite Martian]]'' (CBS, 1964) (2 episodes)
**(Season 1 Episode 29: "Unidentified Flying Uncle Martin") as Jim
*''[[The Munsters]]'' (CBS, 1965)
**(Season 2 Episode 4: "Nothing But the Truth") as Henry
*''[[The Jack Benny Program]]'' (NBC, 1965)
*''[[The Munsters]]'' (CBS, 1965) (Season 2 Episode 7: "Operation Herman") as Dr. Elliott
*''[[The Farmer's Daughter (TV series)|The Farmer's Daughter]]'' (ABC, 1966)
*''[[The Jack Benny Program]]'' (NBC, 1965) (Season 15 Episode 17: "The Kingston Trio, Guests") as Social Worker
*''[[Petticoat Junction]]'' (CBS, 1966)
*''[[The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming]]'' as Irving Christiansen (film, 1966)
*''[[The Farmer's Daughter (TV series)|The Farmer's Daughter]]'' (ABC, 1965-1966) (3 episodes)
**(Season 2 Episode 31: "Never Listen to Rumors") (1965) as Rod Walden
*''[[Bewitched]]'' (ABC, 1966)
**(Season 3 Episode 3: "Stag at Bay") (1965) as Dr. Roscoe
*''[[That Girl]]'' (ABC, 1966)
**(Season 3 Episode 23: "Alias Katy Morley") (1966) as Police Lieutenant
*''[[Love on a Rooftop]]'' in "My Father, the TV Star" (ABC, 1967)
*''[[Petticoat Junction]]'' (CBS, 1966) (Season 3 Episode 24: "It's Not the Principle, It's the Money") as Mr. Forbes
*''[[The Andy Griffith Show]]'', two episodes (CBS, 1967 and 1968)
*''[[Bewitched]]'' (ABC, 1966) (Season 3 Episode 8: "Dangerous Diaper Dan") as A.J. Kimberley
*''[[The Good Guys (1968 TV series)|The Good Guys]]'' (CBS, 1969)
*''[[That Girl]]'' (ABC, 1966) (Season 1 Episode 16: "Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid") as Mr. Carson
*''[[Green Acres]]'' (CBS, 1970)
*''[[Love on a Rooftop]]'' (ABC, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 20: "My Father, the TV Star") as Palmer
*''[[Alice (TV series)|Alice]]'' (CBS, 1984)
*''[[The Andy Griffith Show]]'' (CBS, 1967-1968) (2 episodes)
*''[[Lucy and Desi: Before the Laughter]]'' as Grandfather Ball in [[television movie]] (CBS, 1991)<ref name=imdb/>
**(Season 8 Episode 15: "Howard's New Life") (1967) as Grover
**(Season 8 Episode 17: "The Mayberry Chef") (1968) as Carl Phillips
*''[[The Good Guys (1968 TV series)|The Good Guys]]'' (CBS, 1969) (Season 1 Episode 12: "Ouzo Annie") as Burns
*''[[Green Acres]]'' (CBS, 1970) (Season 5 Episode 18: "The Ex-Con") as Carl Kelcy
*''[[Alice (American TV series)|Alice]]'' (CBS, 1984) (Season 9 Episode 2: "Space Sharples") as Wally
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


==Dramatic episodes==
==Dramatic episodes==
Keefer appeared as Cromwell in the 1968 episode "[[Assignment: Earth]]" of the NBC [[science fiction]] series ''[[Star Trek]]''. Earlier, he had roles in the following three episodes of CBS's ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]'': as Dan Hollis in "[[It's a Good Life (The Twilight Zone)|It's a Good Life]]" (1961), as Spiereto in "[[Passage on the Lady Anne (The Twilight Zone)|Passage on the Lady Anne]]" (1963), and as Fred Danziger in "[[From Agnes - With Love (The Twilight Zone)|From Agnes - With Love]]" (1964).<ref name=imdb/>
Keefer appeared as Cromwell in the 1968 episode "[[Assignment: Earth]]" of the NBC [[science fiction]] series ''[[Star Trek]]''. Earlier, he had roles in the following three episodes of CBS's ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]'': as Dan Hollis in "[[It's a Good Life (The Twilight Zone)|It's a Good Life]]" (1961), as Spiereto in "[[Passage on the Lady Anne (The Twilight Zone)|Passage on the Lady Anne]]" (1963), and as Fred Danziger in "[[From Agnes - With Love (The Twilight Zone)|From Agnes - With Love]]" (1964).


;His other drama roles include:
;His other drama roles include:
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{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}


*''[[Appointment with Adventure]]'' ("The Royal Treatment" episode of the CBS anthology series, 1955)
*''[[Appointment with Adventure]]'' (CBS, 1955) (Season 1 Episode 20: "The Royal Treatment")
*''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]'', as Reagan in "The Big Score" (1957)
*''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]'' (1957) (Season 1 Episode 7: "The Big Score") as Reagan
*''[[Alfred Hitchcock Presents]]'' (1957-1961) (3 episodes)
*''[[Going My Way (TV series)|Going My Way]]'', as Mr. Ewbank in "One Small Unhappy Family" (ABC, 1963)
**(Season 2 Episode 37: "The Indestructible Mr. Weems") (1957) as (Lodge) Brother Dr. Elkins
*''[[The Fugitive (TV series)|The Fugitive]]'' as Ben Haddock in "Where the Action Is" (ABC, 1964)
**(Season 3 Episode 14: "The Percentage") (1958) as Pete Williams
*''[[Slattery's People]]'' as George Farnum in "Question: What Did You Do All Day, Mr. Slattery? (CBS, 1965)
**(Season 6 Episode 21: "The Kiss-Off") (1961) as Tax Clerk
*''[[Mission: Impossible (1966 TV series)|Mission: Impossible]]'' as Zubin in "The Trial" (CBS, 1967)
*''[[Going My Way (TV series)|Going My Way]]'' (ABC, 1963) (Season 1 Episode 20: "One Small Unhappy Family") as Mr. Ewbank
*''[[Felony Squad]]'' as Harry Jocelyn in "A Most Proper Killing" (ABC, 1967)
*''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'', four episodes (ABC, 1966–1971)
*''[[The Fugitive (1963 TV series)|The Fugitive]]'' (ABC, 1964) (Season 1 Episode 18: "Where the Action Is") as Ben Haddock
*''[[Slattery's People]]'' (CBS, 1965) (Season 1 Episode 15: "Question: What Did You Do All Day, Mr. Slattery?") as George Farnum
*''[[Chase (1973 TV series)|Chase]]'' in "Vacation for a President" (NBC, 1974)
*''[[Mission: Impossible (1966 TV series)|Mission: Impossible]]'' (CBS, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 18: "The Trial") as Zubin
*''[[Marcus Welby, M.D.]]'' as Dr. Marvin in "Don't Talk About Darkness" (1972) and as Larry Sabberly in "The Mugging" (ABC, 1974)
*''[[Felony Squad]]'' (ABC, 1967) (Season 2 Episode 3: "A Most Proper Killing") as Harry Jocelyn
*''[[S.W.A.T. (1975 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]'' as Captain Wallen in "Terror Ship" (ABC, 1975)
*''[[The Streets of San Francisco]]'' as Dr. Mayhill in "Clown of Death" (ABC, 1976)
*''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'' (ABC, 1966–1973) (5 episodes)
**(Season 2 Episode 4: "The Cave-In") (1966) as Junkman
*''[[The Waltons]]'' as Arnie Shimerdy in "The Go-Getter" (CBS, 1977)
**(Season 4 Episode 24: "The Young Warriors") (1969) as Dr. J.F. Bissell
*''[[Barnaby Jones]]'' as Mr. Greening in "Programmed for Killing" (1974), as Dave Blevins in "Silent Vendetta" (1976), as Professor Albertson in "The Killer on Campus" (1977), and Tully Kupper in "Target for a Wedding" (CBS, 1979)
**(Season 5 Episode 14: "Journey Into Night") (1969) as Mr. Allison
*''[[Quincy, M.E.]]'', three episodes (NBC, 1979–1982)
**(Season 6 Episode 26: "Three-Way Split") (1971) as Claude Norris
*''[[Highway to Heaven]]'' as Dr. Washburn in "For the Love of Larry" (NBC, 1986)
**(Season 8 Episode 21: "The Wedding Gift") (1973) as Dr. Darcy
*''[[All My Children]]'' as Horace Willoughby (ABC, 1986)
*''[[Marcus Welby, M.D.]]'' (1972-1974) (2 episodes)
*''[[Picket Fences]]'' as Billy Shauger in "The Snake Lady" (1992) and "Heart of Saturday Night" (CBS, 1995)
**(Season 3 Episode 22: "Don't Talk About Darkness") (1972) as Dr. Marvin Hendrix
*''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]'' as Old Benny Rockland in "Brutal Youth" (ABC, 1996),<ref name=imdb/>
**(Season 5 Episode 20: "The Mugging") (ABC, 1974) as Larry Sabberly
*''[[Chase (1973 TV series)|Chase]]'' (NBC, 1974) (Season 1 Episode 17: "Vacation for a President")
*''[[S.W.A.T. (1975 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]'' (ABC, 1975) (Season 2 Episode 13: "Terror Ship") as Captain Wallen
*''[[The Streets of San Francisco]]'' (ABC, 1976) (Season 4 Episode 20: "Clown of Death") as Dr. Mayhill
*''[[The Waltons]]'' (CBS, 1977) (Season 5 Episode 24: "The Go-Getter") as Arnie Shimerdy
*''[[Barnaby Jones]]'' (1974-1979) (4 episodes)
**(Season 2 Episode 17: Programmed for Killing") (1974) as Mr. Greening
**(Season 4 Episode 18: "Silent Vendetta") (1976) as Dave Blevins
**(Season 5 Episode 20: "The Killer on Campus") (1977) as Professor Albertson
**(Season 7 Episode 24: "Target for a Wedding") (CBS, 1979) as Tully Kupper
*''[[Quincy, M.E.]]'' (NBC, 1979–1982) (3 episodes)
**(Season 4 Episode 10: "A Question of Death") (1979) as Terence Morgan
**(Season 5 Episode 20: "The Final Gift") (1980) as Doc Watson
**(Season 7 Episode 11: "When Luck Ran Out") (1982) as Dr. Lloyd Matson
*''[[All My Children]]'' (ABC, 1984) (Episode 3819) as Horace Willoughby
*''[[Highway to Heaven]]'' (NBC, 1986) (Season 3 Episode 3: "For the Love of Larry") as Dr. Washburn
*''[[Picket Fences]]'' (1992-1995) (2 episodes)
**(Season 1 Episode 10: "The Snake Lady") (1992) as Billy Shauger
**(Season 4 Episode 6: "Heart of Saturday Night") (CBS, 1995)
*''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]'' (ABC, 1996) (Season 4 Episode 5: "Brutal Youth") as Old Benny Rockland
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Keefer's last role was as a beggar at a [[courthouse]] in the 1997 film ''[[Liar Liar]]''.<ref name=imdb/>
Keefer's last role was as a beggar at a [[courthouse]] in the 1997 film ''[[Liar Liar]]''.

{{Portal|Biography|Pennsylvania|California|Theatre|Film|Television}}


==References==
==References==

{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|0444411}}
* {{IMDb name|0444411}}
* {{IBDB name|88181}}
* {{IBDB name|88181}}


{{Portalbar|Biography|Pennsylvania|California|Theatre|Film|Television}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
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Latest revision as of 19:33, 10 July 2024

Don Keefer
Keefer in the TV series One Step Beyond, episode Message from Clara, 1959
Born
Donald Hood Keefer[1]

(1916-08-18)August 18, 1916
Highspire, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedSeptember 7, 2014(2014-09-07) (aged 98)
Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1947–1997
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1950; died 1997)​
Children3

Donald Hood Keefer (August 18, 1916 – September 7, 2014) was an American actor known for his versatility in performing comedic, as well as highly dramatic, roles. In an acting career that spanned more than 50 years, he appeared in hundreds of stage, film, and television productions. He was a founding member of The Actors Studio,[2] and he performed in both the original Broadway play and 1951 film versions of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. His longest-lasting roles on television were in 10 episodes each of Gunsmoke and Angel.

Early life and career

[edit]

Born in Highspire, Pennsylvania in August 1916, Donald Keefer was the youngest of three sons of Edna (née Hood) and John E. Keefer, who worked as a butcher.[3] When he was in his early twenties, "Don" moved to New York City, where he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating from that prestigious acting school in 1939. That same year, at the New York World's Fair, he performed various roles on stage in excerpts of works by William Shakespeare.[4] During the 1940s, Keefer found work as supporting characters in Broadway plays such as Junior Miss and Othello. He also began studying method acting in Manhattan as an early member of The Actors Studio.[5] In this period, he gained some early experience and performed in the new medium of television. In 1947, Keefer appeared in a televised presentation of Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night and in an episode of the anthology series Kraft Television Theatre. The next year, he performed again on Kraft Theatre in an episode titled "The Silver Cord".

By 1949, Keefer was back on Broadway as a cast member in the acclaimed production of Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, directed by Elia Kazan. Keefer's exposure in that play led to his first movie role, reprising his performance as Bernard in the 1951 film version of Death of a Salesman.[5] He soon appeared in other films, including The Girl in White (1952), The Caine Mutiny (1954), Six Bridges to Cross (1955), Away All Boats (1956), and Hellcats of the Navy (1957). Increasingly, however, Keefer in the 1950s began focusing on performing on the "small screen", accepting more roles in a wide variety of television series.

Later films and television

[edit]

Keefer appeared in dozens of television series. He also had small roles in some feature films, including Woody Allen's Sleeper. In 1966, he played the character Irving Christiansen in the movie The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming. He also had a small role in Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone prequel “Time Element” in 1958, starring William Benedix, Darryl Hickman and Martin Balsam. Keefer gave a moving performance as Dan in The Twilight Zone S3 E8 "It's a Good Life" (1961), whose birthday party turns fatal when he opposes six year old Anthony, played by Billy Mumy.

Personal life

[edit]

On May 7, 1950, Keefer married the actress Catherine McLeod, and the couple remained married for 47 years, until her death on May 11, 1997.[citation needed]

In 1957, Don played husband to Catherine on an episode of Gunsmoke titled “Wrong Man” (S2E29), his character being a homesteader turned cowardly killer and abusive husband who she finally leaves.

At the time of Catherine's death (following his retirement in acting), the Keefers were living in Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, California.[6] The three Keefer sons are Donald McLeod, John H., and Thomas James.[7] Keefer died at the age of 98 on September 7, 2014.[8]

Films roles

[edit]

Western roles

[edit]
Keefer's Gunsmoke appearances included three half-hour episodes and seven full one-hour broadcasts that aired from 1957-1973
  • "Wrong Man" (13 April 1957) (Season 2 Episode 29) - as the character Sam Rickers
  • "Bad Sheriff" (7 January 1961) (Season 6 Episode 17) - Chet
  • "Coventry" (17 March 1962) (Season 7 Episode 24) - Rankin
  • "Quint-Cident" (27 April 1963) (Season 8 Episode 33) - Nally
  • "The Pariah" (17 April 1965) (Season 10 Episode 30) - Newspaper editor
  • "Taps for Old Jeb" (16 October 1965) (Season 11 Episode 5) - Milty Sims
  • "Champion of the World" (24 December 1966) (Season 12 Episode 14) - Wally
  • "Gentry's Law" (12 October 1970) (Season 16 Episode 5) - Floyd Babcock
  • "Waste: Part 1" (27 September 1971) (Season 17 Episode 3) - Drunk
  • "Kitty's Love Affair" (22 October 1973) (Season 19 Episode 6) - Turner
Keefer appeared in more than a dozen other western series
  • Have Gun - Will Travel (CBS, 1957–1960) (3 episodes)
    • (Season 1 Episode 4: "Winchester Quarantine") (1957) as Kelso
    • (Season 2 Episode 13: "The Solid Gold Patrol") (1958) as Colonel Barlowe
    • (Season 4 Episode 7: "The Tender Gun") (1960) as Corcoran, Gun Drummer
  • Wagon Train (NBC, 1960) (Season 3 Episode 21: "The Tom Tuckett Story") as Major Anderson
  • Hotel de Paree (CBS, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 30: "Sundance and the Barren Soil") as Red Porterfield
  • Rawhide (CBS, 1960) (Season 2 Episode 13: "Incident of the Druid Curse") as Hames
  • Whispering Smith (NBC, 1961) (Season 1 Episode 7: "The Deadliest Weapon") as Dr. Johnson
  • The Dakotas (ABC, 1963) (Season 1 Episode 17: "Feud at Snake River") as Minister
  • Death Valley Days (Syndicated, 1966-1968) (3 episodes)
    • (Season 15 Episode 8: "Samaritans- Mountain Style") (1966) as Gilpin, Newspaperman
    • (Season 15 Episode 11: "The Hero of Apache Pass") (1966) as Colonel, the Commandant
    • (Season 17 Episode 8: "Lady with a Past") (1968) as Mr. Adams
  • The Virginian (NBC, 1966–1969) (3 episodes)
    • (Season 4 Episode 25: "The Return of Golden Tom") (1966) as Ross Tedler
    • (Season 6 Episode 12: "The Barren Ground") (1967) as Station Master
    • (Season 7 Episode 16: "Last Grave at Socorro Creek") (1969) as Undertaker
  • Dundee and the Culhane (CBS, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 5: "The Dead Man's Brief") as Johnson
  • Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (NBC, 1967) (2 episodes of the Gallegher miniseries) (Roger Mobley played the part of Gallegher)
    • (Season 13 Episode 18: "Gallegher Goes West: Tragedy on the Trail") as John Prentice
    • (Season 13 Episode 19: "Gallegher Goes West: Trial by Terror") as John Prentice
  • The Iron Horse (ABC, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 30: "Sister Death") as Blake
  • The Outcasts (ABC, 1968) (Season 1 Episode 10: "The Man from Bennington") as Case
  • Cimarron Strip (CBS, 1968) (Season 1 Episode 15: "The Judgment") as Bolt
  • The Guns of Will Sonnett (ABC, 1968–1969) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 1 Episode 19: "End of the Rope") (1968) as Prosecutor
    • (Season 2 Episode 21: "One Angry Juror") (1969) as Sawyer
  • Bonanza (NBC, 1969-1971) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 10 Episode 26: "The Running Man") (1969) as Billy Harris
    • (Season 13 Episode 11: "The Rattlesnake Brigade") (1971) as Tobias Temple
  • The High Chaparral (NBC, 1970) (Season 4 Episode 2: "Spokes") as Telegrapher
  • Alias Smith and Jones (ABC, 1971) (Season 1 Episode 10: "The Man Who Murdered Himself") as Dr. Hiram Wilson
  • Nichols (NBC, 1971) (Season 1 Episode 7: "The Specialists") as Burt Lincoln
  • Kung Fu (ABC, 1974-1975) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 3 Episode 7: "Cry of the Night Beast") (1974) as Stripper
    • (Season 3 Episode 19: "Flight to Orion") (1975) as Station Keeper

Angel and other comedies

[edit]

On Angel, Keefer portrayed the neighbor "George", husband of "Susie", a character played by Doris Singleton, a veteran of the original I Love Lucy series. Marshall Thompson (1925–1992) played Johnny Smith, a young architect and the husband of Fargé's Angel Smith character. Keefer's Angel roles include 26 credited episodes:

  • "Voting Can Be Fun" (13 October 1960) (Season 1 Episode 2)
  • "Angel's Temper" (10 November 1960) (Season 1 Episode 5)
  • "The Valedictorian" (15 December 1960) (Season 1 Episode 10)
  • "The Dowry" (19 January 1961) (Season 1 Episode 14)
  • "The Joint Bank Account" (2 February 1961) (Season 1 Episode 16)
  • "Call Me Mother" (9 February 1961) (Season 1 Episode 17)
  • "Phone Fun" (22 March 1961) (Season 1 Episode 22)
  • "Unpopular Mechanics" (19 April 1961) (Season 1 Episode 26)
  • "The Trailer" (10 May 1961) (Season 1 Episode 29)
  • "Goodbye, Young Lovers" (17 May 1961) (Season 1 Episode 30)
The following are a selection of other sitcoms in which Keefer performed
  • Window on Main Street (CBS, 1962) (Season 1 Episode 18: "Girl with the Rose Colored Eyes")
  • Car 54, Where Are You? (1962) (Season 2 Episode 7: "Remember St. Petersburg") as Dr. R.L. Mitchell, psychiatrist
  • The Real McCoys (CBS, 1963) (Season 6 Episode 36: "The Peacemakers") as Harry Porter
  • My Favorite Martian (CBS, 1964) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 1 Episode 29: "Unidentified Flying Uncle Martin") as Jim
    • (Season 2 Episode 4: "Nothing But the Truth") as Henry
  • The Munsters (CBS, 1965) (Season 2 Episode 7: "Operation Herman") as Dr. Elliott
  • The Jack Benny Program (NBC, 1965) (Season 15 Episode 17: "The Kingston Trio, Guests") as Social Worker
  • The Farmer's Daughter (ABC, 1965-1966) (3 episodes)
    • (Season 2 Episode 31: "Never Listen to Rumors") (1965) as Rod Walden
    • (Season 3 Episode 3: "Stag at Bay") (1965) as Dr. Roscoe
    • (Season 3 Episode 23: "Alias Katy Morley") (1966) as Police Lieutenant
  • Petticoat Junction (CBS, 1966) (Season 3 Episode 24: "It's Not the Principle, It's the Money") as Mr. Forbes
  • Bewitched (ABC, 1966) (Season 3 Episode 8: "Dangerous Diaper Dan") as A.J. Kimberley
  • That Girl (ABC, 1966) (Season 1 Episode 16: "Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid") as Mr. Carson
  • Love on a Rooftop (ABC, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 20: "My Father, the TV Star") as Palmer
  • The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1967-1968) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 8 Episode 15: "Howard's New Life") (1967) as Grover
    • (Season 8 Episode 17: "The Mayberry Chef") (1968) as Carl Phillips
  • The Good Guys (CBS, 1969) (Season 1 Episode 12: "Ouzo Annie") as Burns
  • Green Acres (CBS, 1970) (Season 5 Episode 18: "The Ex-Con") as Carl Kelcy
  • Alice (CBS, 1984) (Season 9 Episode 2: "Space Sharples") as Wally

Dramatic episodes

[edit]

Keefer appeared as Cromwell in the 1968 episode "Assignment: Earth" of the NBC science fiction series Star Trek. Earlier, he had roles in the following three episodes of CBS's The Twilight Zone: as Dan Hollis in "It's a Good Life" (1961), as Spiereto in "Passage on the Lady Anne" (1963), and as Fred Danziger in "From Agnes - With Love" (1964).

His other drama roles include
  • Appointment with Adventure (CBS, 1955) (Season 1 Episode 20: "The Royal Treatment")
  • Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1957) (Season 1 Episode 7: "The Big Score") as Reagan
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1957-1961) (3 episodes)
    • (Season 2 Episode 37: "The Indestructible Mr. Weems") (1957) as (Lodge) Brother Dr. Elkins
    • (Season 3 Episode 14: "The Percentage") (1958) as Pete Williams
    • (Season 6 Episode 21: "The Kiss-Off") (1961) as Tax Clerk
  • Going My Way (ABC, 1963) (Season 1 Episode 20: "One Small Unhappy Family") as Mr. Ewbank
  • The Fugitive (ABC, 1964) (Season 1 Episode 18: "Where the Action Is") as Ben Haddock
  • Slattery's People (CBS, 1965) (Season 1 Episode 15: "Question: What Did You Do All Day, Mr. Slattery?") as George Farnum
  • Mission: Impossible (CBS, 1967) (Season 1 Episode 18: "The Trial") as Zubin
  • Felony Squad (ABC, 1967) (Season 2 Episode 3: "A Most Proper Killing") as Harry Jocelyn
  • The F.B.I. (ABC, 1966–1973) (5 episodes)
    • (Season 2 Episode 4: "The Cave-In") (1966) as Junkman
    • (Season 4 Episode 24: "The Young Warriors") (1969) as Dr. J.F. Bissell
    • (Season 5 Episode 14: "Journey Into Night") (1969) as Mr. Allison
    • (Season 6 Episode 26: "Three-Way Split") (1971) as Claude Norris
    • (Season 8 Episode 21: "The Wedding Gift") (1973) as Dr. Darcy
  • Marcus Welby, M.D. (1972-1974) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 3 Episode 22: "Don't Talk About Darkness") (1972) as Dr. Marvin Hendrix
    • (Season 5 Episode 20: "The Mugging") (ABC, 1974) as Larry Sabberly
  • Chase (NBC, 1974) (Season 1 Episode 17: "Vacation for a President")
  • S.W.A.T. (ABC, 1975) (Season 2 Episode 13: "Terror Ship") as Captain Wallen
  • The Streets of San Francisco (ABC, 1976) (Season 4 Episode 20: "Clown of Death") as Dr. Mayhill
  • The Waltons (CBS, 1977) (Season 5 Episode 24: "The Go-Getter") as Arnie Shimerdy
  • Barnaby Jones (1974-1979) (4 episodes)
    • (Season 2 Episode 17: Programmed for Killing") (1974) as Mr. Greening
    • (Season 4 Episode 18: "Silent Vendetta") (1976) as Dave Blevins
    • (Season 5 Episode 20: "The Killer on Campus") (1977) as Professor Albertson
    • (Season 7 Episode 24: "Target for a Wedding") (CBS, 1979) as Tully Kupper
  • Quincy, M.E. (NBC, 1979–1982) (3 episodes)
    • (Season 4 Episode 10: "A Question of Death") (1979) as Terence Morgan
    • (Season 5 Episode 20: "The Final Gift") (1980) as Doc Watson
    • (Season 7 Episode 11: "When Luck Ran Out") (1982) as Dr. Lloyd Matson
  • All My Children (ABC, 1984) (Episode 3819) as Horace Willoughby
  • Highway to Heaven (NBC, 1986) (Season 3 Episode 3: "For the Love of Larry") as Dr. Washburn
  • Picket Fences (1992-1995) (2 episodes)
    • (Season 1 Episode 10: "The Snake Lady") (1992) as Billy Shauger
    • (Season 4 Episode 6: "Heart of Saturday Night") (CBS, 1995)
  • Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (ABC, 1996) (Season 4 Episode 5: "Brutal Youth") as Old Benny Rockland

Keefer's last role was as a beggar at a courthouse in the 1997 film Liar Liar.

References

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  1. ^ "Don Keefer, Actor Who Had Bad Thoughts on 'Twilight Zone', Dies at 98". The New York Times.com. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  2. ^ Garfield, David (1980). "Birth of The Actors Studio: 1947–1950". A Player's Place: The Story of The Actors Studio. New York: MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc. p. 52. ISBN 0-02-542650-8. Also [in Lewis' class were] Henry Barnard, Jay Barney, John Becher, Philip Bourneuf, Joan Chandler, Peter Cookson, Stephen Elliott, Robert Emhardt, Joy Geffen, William Hansen, Will Hare, Jane Hoffman, George Keane, Don Keefer, George Matthews, Peggy Meredith, Ty Perry, Margaret Phillips, David Pressman, William Prince, Elliot Reid, Frances Reid, Kurt Richards, Elizabeth Ross, Thelma Schnee, Joshua Shelley, Fed Stewart, John Straub, Michael Strong, John Sylvester, Julie Warren, Mary Welch, Lois Wheeler, and William Woodson.
  3. ^ Yardley, William (2014). "Don Keefer, 98; had role in classic 'Twilight Zone'". The Boston Globe, September 28, 2014; updated reprint from The New York Times. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  4. ^ Yardley, The Boston Globe. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  5. ^ a b Yardley. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  6. ^ "Social Security Death Index". Rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
  7. ^ Internet: People Search, Background Check
  8. ^ Mike Barnes. "Don Keefer, Who Was Turned Into a Jack-in-the-Box on 'The Twilight Zone,' Dies at 98". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
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