Actor. He is best remembered for his role of Hannibal Heyes in the television series "Alias Smith and Jones." He took acting lessons at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City from 1957 to 1961. He moved on to his dream of acting in Hollywood in 1963 after a tour with the National Road Company's "Take Her, She's Mine." After doing many small walk-on roles on various television series, he was cast for one season in the role of 'John Cooper,' next to Sally Field, in the television series "Gidget" (1965). Immediately after "Gidget" he worked in the television series "Love On A Rooftop" with Judy Carne, playing the role of 'David Willis', but it too, lasted only one season. In July 1967, he signed a seven-year contract with Universal Studios and he eventually won the role of Hannibal Heyes in the comedy Western TV series "Alias Smith and Jones" which ran on ABC-TV. The series was a big hit with teenagers and he quickly gained a loyal following. His sudden death in 1971 by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot took everyone by surprise, however investigation indicated that he was depressed and had severe alcohol problems. During an interview, he was asked how he felt doing a weekly series, to which he replied, "It's a big fat drag to any actor with interest in his work. It's the ultimate trap."
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of Hannibal Heyes in the television series "Alias Smith and Jones." He took acting lessons at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City from 1957 to 1961. He moved on to his dream of acting in Hollywood in 1963 after a tour with the National Road Company's "Take Her, She's Mine." After doing many small walk-on roles on various television series, he was cast for one season in the role of 'John Cooper,' next to Sally Field, in the television series "Gidget" (1965). Immediately after "Gidget" he worked in the television series "Love On A Rooftop" with Judy Carne, playing the role of 'David Willis', but it too, lasted only one season. In July 1967, he signed a seven-year contract with Universal Studios and he eventually won the role of Hannibal Heyes in the comedy Western TV series "Alias Smith and Jones" which ran on ABC-TV. The series was a big hit with teenagers and he quickly gained a loyal following. His sudden death in 1971 by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot took everyone by surprise, however investigation indicated that he was depressed and had severe alcohol problems. During an interview, he was asked how he felt doing a weekly series, to which he replied, "It's a big fat drag to any actor with interest in his work. It's the ultimate trap."
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
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