Wikipedia

Sherwood Price

Frank Sherwood Gell (April 4, 1928 – January 13, 2020) was an American film and television actor. He was known for playing General J. E. B. Stuart in the American historical television series The Gray Ghost.[3]

Sherwood Price
Price (right) with Chris Alcaide and James Parnell in Bonanza, 1960
Born
Frank Sherwood Gell

(1928-04-04)April 4, 1928
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
DiedJanuary 13, 2020(2020-01-13) (aged 91)
EducationSchuster-Martin School of Drama
Occupation(s)Actor, Producer
Years active1948–1995
Spouses
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​
(m. 1953; div. 1961)​
​
​
(m. 1967; died. 1999)​
[1][2]

Early life edit

He was born Frank Sherwood Gell in Detroit, Michigan, to Louis Gell and Freida Gell, Jewish immigrants from Imperial Russia who had come to the US as young children.[4] He had one sibling, an older sister.[4] His parents had different first languages (Russian and Yiddish); he grew up speaking only English.[4] His father owned a butcher shop.[4] His parents divorced while Price was still a child. His mother remarried, and Price was raised by her and his step-father Herman Glassman, a clothing salesman.[5]

Price attended Central High School in Detroit, taking the commercial curriculum rather than college prep.[6] While still in high school he registered for the draft on April 4, 1946, his eighteenth birthday.[7] The registrar recorded him as being 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 132 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He worked as a dishwasher, theater usher, and gas station attendant to earn money for drama school.[8]

Early stage career edit

Price enrolled at the Schuster-Martin School of Drama in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati during August 1947.[9] He spent one year studying then joined the school's Little Playhouse Company after graduation. He performed in five plays during 1948–1949, using "Sherwood Gell" for billing.

He then joined the Piper Players national touring company in their Oklahoma City debut, where he handled both acting and production chores.[10][11] The Piper Players hit a cash crisis and found their only money maker was doing children's matinees of Little Red Riding Hood, which they played around the country.[12] When the tour he was with reached the Warner Hollywood Theatre, Price decided to remain and left the company, moving in with his married older sister and her family.[13]

By 1952 he had adopted the stage name "Sherwood Price".[8] He was managing a movie theater in Sherman Oaks when he performed in his first film.[8] The cheaply made western Scorching Fury was filled with actors making their film debut. There is no contemporary evidence that the film was ever distributed for exhibition at theaters, but it gave the participating actors their "break" in the movie business and their Screen Actors Guild cards.

His first known stage credit under his new billing came in May 1953, when he played the lead in the Showcase Theater production of Detective Story, earning high praise from the LA Times drama critic.[14]

Tustin Playbox edit

Main article: Tustin Playbox

During July 1953 Price took the role of the psychoanalyst in the play Lady in the Dark with the Tustin Playbox company.[15] It was his first work with this community theatre, which he would be associated with for many years. Also in this play was professional Jacquelyn Sue Browne, then billed as "Cathy Browne", but who would later switch to Kathie Browne.[15][16] Price and Cathy Browne took over as co-producers for the third summer season (1954) of the Tustin Playbox, while continuing to act in performances.[17] Browne was very popular with the Tustin audiences, and so often played the female lead.[18] The majority of production chores thus fell on Price, who performed in fewer plays than Browne.

For the next four years Browne and Price successfully co-produced the Playbox, with each season bringing in larger audiences, including television stars and producers who hired them for screen roles based on their stage performances.[19] The Los Angeles Times noted that the Playbox was actually making money, a rare event for community summer stock. The ailing Laguna Playhouse even recruited the couple to take over producing chores there as well for the 1957 season.[20]

By the 1959 season Sherwood Price Productions assumed sole control of the Tustin Playbox, while Browne's performances there tapered off in favor of her growing screen career. However, for the 1960 season Price overextended himself financially by opening a second troupe in Fullerton, California, causing both to be attached in July by creditors.[21]

Television and other projects edit

Price's first television work came in the fall of 1955. Mark Stevens arranged for Price to have a role in an episode of the series in which he was starring, Big Town, after seeing him at Tustin.[22] The next year, John Bromfield of Sheriff of Cochise did the same, after watching Price in The Tender Trap at the Playbox[23] Price had parts in three other TV series in 1956, and small uncredited bits in two films, The Revolt of Mamie Stover and the misleadingly titled D-Day the Sixth of June.

Despite the press of activity managing the Tustin Playbox, Price plunged into a recurring role on the series The Gray Ghost.[24] Filmed during late spring of 1957 in Northern California, Price played General J.E.B. Stuart for seven episodes.

Later screen career edit

Price then played Pete Hallon in the 1959 film City of Fear, which starred Vince Edwards.[25]

Price played Gus Romay in the 1961 film Blueprint for Robbery, which starred J. Pat O'Malley.[26] He guest-starred in television programs including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Rawhide, Highway Patrol, Perry Mason, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, Mannix, 77 Sunset Strip, Cheyenne, Death Valley Days, The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, Have Gun - Will Travel, and Wagon Train.[27] Price had a recurring role as Owen Carter in the medical drama television series Ben Casey. He also played Lt. Edgar Hackett in the 1968 film Ice Station Zebra, which starred Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine, Patrick McGoohan and Jim Brown.[28] In 1969, Price starred with Robert Vaughn in the play The Odd Couple at the Sir John Falstaff Theater in St. Louis, Missouri.[29] He played Felix Unger.[29]

Price died in January 2020, at the age of 91.[30]

Personal life edit

After a summer working together, Cathy Browne and Price announced their engagement in September 1953.[31] They were wed November 22, 1953, at the Chapman Park Hotel in Los Angeles.[16][32]

In his 2008 memoir, A Fortunate Life, actor Robert Vaughn describes Price as his "lifelong best friend".[33] They were also business partners, making documentaries through their Ferdporqui production company.

Stage performances edit

Performances only, see Tustin Playbox for plays as producer
Year Play Role Venue Notes
1948 The Hasty Heart Blossom Schuster-Martin Playhouse War drama from 1945 by John Patrick; Price was only non-veteran in cast[34]
The Front Page Schuster-Martin Playhouse As with all his credits prior to 1952, he was billed as "Sherwood Gell"[35]
Treasure Island Jim Hawkins Schuster-Martin Playhouse Price had the lead in this Little Playhouse Company adaptation[36]
1949 You Can't Take It With You Schuster-Martin Playhouse [37]
The Time of Your Life Schuster-Martin Playhouse [38]
1950 Boy Meets Girl Vogue Theater (OKC) His first play with the Piper Players[39]
George Washington Slept Here Vogue Theater (OKC) [40]
Wuthering Heights (Production) Vogue Theater (OKC) Price did only business and production for this small cast play[11]
Curse You, Villain! Vogue Theater (OKC) A melodrama revival played for laughs[41]
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Vogue Theater (OKC) [42]
Dear Ruth Criterion Theater (OKC) [43]
Little Red Riding Hood Touring Company The Piper Players, low on cash, were reduced to playing this children's matinee [43]
1953 Detective Story Det. McLeod Showcase Theater (LA) His first known stage credit as "Sherwood Price"[14]
Lady in the Dark Dr. Brooks Tustin Playbox His first play at Tustin also starred Cathy Browne[15]
Miranda Paul Marten Tustin Playbox Price and Cathy Browne played the leads in this Peter Blackmore comedy[44]
Caesar and Cleopatra Apollodorus Tustin Playbox Tony Carbone and Cathy Browne played the leads[45]
Brigadoon Tustin Playbox Price's supporting role was praised by the Los Angeles Times reviewer[46]
1954 Petticoat Fever Sir James Felton Tustin Playbox Price and Cathy Browne played the leads in this 1935 Mark Reed comedy[47]
The Country Girl Frank Elgin Tustin Playbox [48]
Bell, Book and Candle Nicholas Holroyd Tustin Playbox [49]
1955 Bertha the Beautiful Typewriter Girl Villain Tustin Playbox Early melodrama played for laughs[50]
The Milky Way Gabby Sloan Tustin Playbox [51]
Night Must Fall Dan Tustin Playbox Price plays the suspected killer opposite Cathy Brown's "Olivia Grayne"[52]
1956 Born Yesterday Paul Verrall Tustin Playbox Robert Vaughn directed, Cathy Browne played female lead[53]
The Tender Trap Charlie Reader Tustin Playbox Cathy Browne directed this play[54]
1957 Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? Michael Freeman Laguna Playhouse With Roxanne Arlen, Jack Grinnage, Robert Cornthwaite, Tommy Vize and Brad Trumbull[55]
Bus Stop Will Masters Tustin Playbox With Doreen Porter, Melora Conway, and Brad Trumbull[56]
1958 Boy Meets Girl Minor characters Tustin Playbox Price played a succession of outlandish minor characters[57]
Dial M for Murder Swann/Captain Lesgate Tustin Playbox Price plays the criminal killed by Browne's character[58]
Anniversary Waltz Chris Steelman Tustin Playbox [59]
Charley's Aunt Lord Fancourt Babberly Tustin Playbox [60]
1959 The Matchmaker Cornelius Hackl Tustin Playbox [61]
Tunnel of Love Dick Pepper Tustin Playbox [62]
1969 The Odd Couple Felix Unger (St. Louis) Robert Vaughn co-starred in this production[33]

Filmography edit

Film (by year of first release)
Year Title Role Notes
1952 Scorching Fury Ward Canepa His first billing as "Sherwood Price". It is doubtful whether this film was ever distributed to theatres or exhibited.
1956 The Revolt of Mamie Stover Sailor An uncredited role
D-Day the Sixth of June American Officer Another uncredited role
1957 5 Steps to Danger Uncredited role as one of many killers after Sterling Hayden[63]
1959 City of Fear Pete Hallon Price and Cathy Browne's only movie together was filmed in early spring 1958[64]
1961 Blueprint for Robbery Gus Romay Ensemble effort, filled with TV character actors and no stars
1963 The Man from Galveston George Taggart The pilot for the Temple Houston TV series, released to theaters instead
1964 The Patsy Bellboy A cameo appearance, in a film filled with them
1968 Ice Station Zebra Lt. Edgar Hackett
1995 Last of the Dogmen Tracker Price's last known performing credit
Television (in original broadcast order)
Year Series Episode Role Notes
1955 Big Town Juvenile Gangs Price's first known TV credit came from being spotted by Mark Stevens at the Tustin Playbox[22]
1956 I Led 3 Lives Dead Man Comrade Adams [19]
Navy Log Sacrifice Russ Carter This starred Phil Tead, with Carleton Young, William Tracy, and Leonard Nimoy[65]
Frontier Both Price and Browne were in this unknown episode from summer 1956[66]
Sheriff of Cochise Star John Bromfield asked for Price after seeing him at Tustin Playbox[23]
1957 Wire Service Price and Browne had husband-wife roles in this unknown episode with Mercedes McCambridge[23]
Navy Log Ito of Attu G.I. [67][68]
Dragnet The Big Yak [69][70]
The Gray Ghost An Eye for an Eye Gen. Jeb Stuart The only recurring role for Price, filmed in Northern California[24]
Horses for Stuart Gen. Jeb Stuart [71]
The Eve Arden Show Price made this unknown episode in between plays at Tustin and Laguna[72]
1958 The Gray Ghost Sealed Orders Gen. Jeb Stuart [73][74]
The Escape Gen. Jeb Stuart [73][75]
Turn of Fate The Days of November Korean War story with Jack Lemmon, Adam Williams, Nick Dennis, Don Kelly, and Jimmy Goodwin[76]
The Gray Ghost The Rivals Gen. Jeb Stuart [77]
Secret and Urgent Gen. Jeb Stuart [78]
The Gallant Foe Gen. Jeb Stuart
Decision Man on a Raft Interne Another series where star Mark Stevens asked for Price

Notes edit

References edit

  1. ^ Kleiner, Dick (October 13, 1964). "Show Beat". Corpus Christi Times. Corpus Christi, Texas. p. 18. Retrieved June 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  2. ^ "TV 'Mom' To Sing". Sunday News. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. November 22, 1964. p. 76. Retrieved June 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ Brode, Douglas (October 15, 2009). Shooting Stars of the Small Screen: Encyclopedia of TV Western Actors, 1946–Present. University of Texas Press. p. 23. ISBN 9780292718494 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ a b c d 1930 US Federal Census, retrieved from Ancestry.com
  5. ^ 1940 US Federal Census, retrieved from Ancestry.com
  6. ^ U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-1999 for Frank S. Gell, Michigan > Detroit > Central High School > 1946, retrieved from Ancestry.com
  7. ^ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 for Frank Sherwood Gell, retrieved from Ancestry.com
  8. ^ a b c "Film Theater Manager Took Rough Route". The Valley Times. North Hollywood, California. April 23, 1952. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Radcliffe, E. B. (July 14, 1948). "Theater". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "'Claudia' to Be First Stock Company Show at the Vogue". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. January 8, 1950. p. 71 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b "Few Idle Moments". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. February 19, 1950. p. 75 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Hopper, Hedda (April 4, 1950). "Hollywood". Daily News. New York City, New York. p. 376 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ 1950 US Federal Census for Sherwood Gell, Los Angeles, California, ED 66-178, retrieved from Ancestry.com
  14. ^ a b Von Blon, Katherine (May 5, 1953). "Wilcoxon Play Given at Miles Playhouse". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. p. 63 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ a b c "Orange County Residents to Be Featured in 'Playbox' Opening". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. July 3, 1953. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ a b "Playbox Stars to Wed Nov. 22". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. November 20, 1953. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Stock Will Reopen in Tustin". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. May 30, 1954. p. 88 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Summer Theater On at Tustin". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. July 4, 1954. p. 92 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ a b "Sherwood Price". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. March 1, 1956. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ Schallert, Edwin (June 13, 1957). "Brisk Openings Ahead for Straw Hat Season". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. p. 119 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Playbox Closes By Attachment". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. July 14, 1960. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ a b "Playbox Directors Appear on 'Big Town' Television Series". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. October 20, 1955 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ a b c "Playbox Producers Co-Star in TV Film". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. November 22, 1956. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ a b "Sherwood Price in TV Series". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. September 12, 1957. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Blottner, Gene (March 19, 2015). Columbia Noir: A Complete Filmography, 1940-1962. McFarland. p. 38. ISBN 9781476617619 – via Google Books.
  26. ^ "The Film Daily Year Book of Motion Pictures", University of California, Film Daily, p. 327, 1963
  27. ^ Lentz, Harris (1996). Western and Frontier Film and Television Credits 1903-1995: Section I. Actors and actresses. Section II. Directors, producers, and writers. McFarland. p. 646. ISBN 9780786401581 – via Google Books.
  28. ^ Scott Royce, Brenda (1995). Rock Hudson: A Bio-bibliography. Scarecrow Press. p. 133. ISBN 9780313286728 – via Google Books.
  29. ^ a b "Robert Vaughn At Falstaff In 'Odd Couple'". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. St. Louis, Missouri. August 3, 1969. p. 121. Retrieved June 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  30. ^ "SAG-AFTRA - Spring 2020". SAG-AFTRA. p. 91. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  31. ^ "Announce Engagement". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. September 4, 1953. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ Sherwood P Gell in the California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1949-1959, retrieved from Ancestry.com
  33. ^ a b Robert Vaughan (2008). A Fortunate Life. St. Martins Press. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-312-37112-8.
  34. ^ "'Hasty Heart' At Playhouse". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. November 21, 1948. p. 81 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Drama School "Front Page"". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. December 5, 1948. p. 109 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Tots' Play Is Offered". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. December 12, 1948. p. 109 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Prize Farce Is Offered". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. February 6, 1949. p. 92 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Saroyan Play at Playhouse". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. March 13, 1949. p. 90 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Cast Expands in Stock Play". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. January 29, 1950. p. 67 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Another Comedy by Piper Players". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. February 5, 1950. p. 73 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Piper Players' Next Show Is Melodrama". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. February 21, 1950. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Famed Play at Vogue". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. February 26, 1950. p. 83 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ a b "(Ad)". The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. February 28, 1950. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "'Miranda' Next Production at Tustin Playbox". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. July 17, 1953. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "GBS Play Runs One More Week". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. August 7, 1953. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "'Brigadoon' Opens as Final Tustin Offering". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. August 24, 1953. p. 63 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Tustin Farce Gains Favor". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. July 9, 1954. p. 54 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ "'Country Girl' at Playbox". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. August 8, 1954. p. 113 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "'Bell, Book and Candle' Well Done at Tustin". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. August 20, 1954. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "Time for Hisses". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. June 26, 1955. p. 194 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ ""Milky Way", Second Playbox 1955 Production Is Now in Rehearsal". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. June 30, 1955. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ^ "Playbox Now Open With New Play; "Night Must Fall", Runs Two Weeks". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. July 21, 1955. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "Tustin Playbox Gives 'Born Yesterday' by Kanin". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. July 6, 1956. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "'Tender Trap' Baited at Tustin Playbox". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. August 6, 1956. p. 38 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ^ "Gay Satire Wins Favor". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. July 6, 1957. p. 24 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ^ Dunlap, Velma (August 16, 1957). "'Bus Stop' Presented Onstage at Tustin". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. p. 22 – via Newspapers.com.
  57. ^ "Hollywood Profile to Open Playbox Season". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. June 22, 1958. p. 165 – via Newspapers.com.
  58. ^ Moses, Lucille (July 3, 1958). "Reviewer Finds 'Dial M for Murder' Interesting Mystery at Dress Rehearsal". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^ Moses, Lucille (July 17, 1958). "'Anniversary Waltz' at Tustin Playbox". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ Moses, Lucille (August 14, 1958). "'Charley's Aunt' Quite a Girl, Reviewer Finds". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ^ Moses, Lucille (June 18, 1959). "'Matchmaker' Lifts Lid on Tustin Playbox". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ^ Dunlap, Velma (August 18, 1959). "Stage Play Amuses at Tustin Playbox". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. p. 25 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ "Sherwood Price Signed for Role". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. May 3, 1956. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ "Before the Cameras". Los Angeles Evening Citizen-News. Hollywood, California. April 5, 1958. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ^ "Admiral in Gamble On 'Navy Log' Show". The Tribune. Coshocton, Ohio. May 19, 1956. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ^ ""Picnic" Chosen to Open Tustin Playbox Season". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. May 3, 1956. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ "Price on TV". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. March 28, 1957. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ^ "Today on TV". The Boston Globe. Boston, Massachusetts. April 2, 1957. p. 49 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ^ "Price in 'Dragnet'". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. October 17, 1957. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
  70. ^ "Thursday Television Programs". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. October 17, 1957. p. 46 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ "Television". The Times. Munster, Indiana. December 10, 1957. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
  72. ^ "Tropic Isle Setting For 'The Little Hut'". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. August 1, 1957. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  73. ^ a b "Price on TV". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. January 16, 1958. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  74. ^ "Television Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen-News. Hollywood, California. January 13, 1958. p. 27 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ^ "Monday Television Programs". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. January 20, 1958. p. 36 – via Newspapers.com.
  76. ^ "On Television This Week". Kansas City Star. Kansas City, Missouri. February 23, 1958. p. 64 – via Newspapers.com.
  77. ^ "Complete Television Programs For Today". Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. March 17, 1958. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
  78. ^ "Price Rides Again!". The Tustin News. Tustin, California. June 5, 1958. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.

External links edit

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