Born in Lincoln, California, Clark was the son of Fred Clark Sr. He attended Stanford University with plans to become a doctor, but participation in a college production of Yellow Jack diverted his attention to acting. He changed his major to drama and later received a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. While there, he was elected his class's most promising actor.[1]
Careeredit
Clark made his film debut in 1947 in The Unsuspected. His 20-year film career included nearly seventy films and numerous television appearances. As a supporting player, with his gruff voice, intimidating build, bald head and small moustache beneath an often scowling visage, he was often cast as a testy film producer, crime boss, landlord, employer, doctor, or general. In 1942 during World War II Clark joined the United States Navy and served as an aviator. He later transferred to the United States Army and served with the Third Army in Europe until the end of the war.[citation needed]
Clark's Broadway credits included Absence of a Cello (1964), Viva Madison Avenue! (1960), Romanoff and Juliet (1957), Ringside Seat (1938), What a Life (1938), and Schoolhouse on the Lot (1938).[2]
Eddie (1971, TV Movie) - Chief Pike (final film role; released posthumously)
Referencesedit
^McManus, Margaret (July 17, 1966). "Fred Clark Desperately Desired Being Fired But Somehow It Never Happened". The Kansas City Star. p. 97. Retrieved December 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^"Fred Clark". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on January 31, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
^"Fred Clark, 54, Versatile Actor On Television and in Films, Dies; Became Typed as Indignant, Exasperated Character --- on Burns and Allen". The New York Times. December 7, 1968. p. 47.