Adam Roarke (born Richard Jordan Gerler, August 8, 1937 – April 27, 1996) was an American actor and
film director
A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the film crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, p ...
.
Life and career
Roarke was born in
Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in the State of New York, and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, be ...
, where he was a
street gang
A gang is a group or society of associates, friends or members of a family with a defined leadership and internal organization that identifies with or claims control over territory in a community and engages, either individually or collectivel ...
member during his youth. His father was a
vaudeville
Vaudeville (; ) is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment born in France at the end of the 19th century. A vaudeville was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a dramatic composition ...
comedian and his mother was a chorus line dancer and
showgirl
A showgirl is a female dancer or performer in a stage entertainment show intended to showcase the performer's physical attributes, typically by way of revealing clothing, toplessness, or nudity.
History
Showgirls date back to the late 180 ...
.
Adam Roarke - Trailer - Showtimes - Cast - Movies - New York Times
/ref>
Roarke began his acting career under the name Jordan Gerler and then Jordan Grant; however, when he signed on with Universal Studios
Universal Pictures (legally Universal City Studios LLC, also known as Universal Studios, or simply Universal; common metonym: Uni, and formerly named Universal Film Manufacturing Company and Universal-International Pictures Inc.) is an Ameri ...
in 1957, he was told that he needed to change the name, because the studios already had one Mr. Grant (Cary Grant
Cary Grant (born Archibald Alec Leach; January 18, 1904November 29, 1986) was an English-American actor. He was known for his Mid-Atlantic accent, debonair demeanor, light-hearted approach to acting, and sense of comic timing. He was one o ...
) under contract. Roarke appeared in a number of television series during the late 1950s and early 1960s, including the role of Communications Officer Garrison in the original ''Star Trek
''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the eponymous 1960s television series and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise has expanded into vari ...
'' pilot. He appeared in a string of AIP biker pictures along with Peter Fonda
Peter Henry Fonda (February 23, 1940 – August 16, 2019) was an American actor. He was the son of Henry Fonda, younger brother of Jane Fonda, and father of Bridget Fonda. He was a prominent figure in the counterculture of the 1960s. Fond ...
, Jack Nicholson
John Joseph Nicholson (born April 22, 1937) is an American retired actor and filmmaker. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. In many of his films, he played rebels against the social structure. He received numerous ...
, and Bruce Dern
Bruce MacLeish Dern (born June 4, 1936) is an American actor. He has often played supporting villainous characters of unstable natures. He has received several accolades, including the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor and the Silver B ...
in the late 1960s, beginning with ''Hells Angels on Wheels
''Hells Angels on Wheels'' is a 1967 American biker film directed by Richard Rush, and starring Adam Roarke, Jack Nicholson, and Sabrina Scharf. The film tells the story of a gas-station attendant with a bad attitude who finds life more exciting ...
'' (1967), and culminating with ''The Losers'' (subsequently retitled ''Nam's Angels
''The Losers'' released on video as ''Nam's Angels'' is a 1970 American biker war film directed by Jack Starrett.
Plot
The plot involves a gang of Hells Angels-type bikers called "The Devil's Advocates" involved in the Vietnam War. They are sent ...
'') in 1970. In 1974, Roarke appeared in the financially successful car chase film '' Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry'', with Fonda and Susan George, a role which showcased his range of acting skills.
His breakout role came in 1980 when he portrayed Raymond Bailey, a self-important leading man whose stunt double was played by Steve Railsback
Stephen Railsback is an American theatre, film, and television actor. He is best known for his performances in the films ''The Stunt Man'' and Lifeforce (film), ''Lifeforce'', and his portrayal of Charles Manson in the 1976 television mini-series ...
in ''The Stunt Man
''The Stunt Man'' is a 1980 American action comedy film directed by Richard Rush, starring Peter O'Toole, Steve Railsback, and Barbara Hershey. The film was adapted by Lawrence B. Marcus and Rush from the 1970 novel of the same name by Paul Brod ...
''. Peter O'Toole
Peter Seamus O'Toole (; 2 August 1932 – 14 December 2013) was a British stage and film actor. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began working in the theatre, gaining recognition as a Shakespearean actor at the Bristol Old Vic ...
befriended Roarke during filming, and the two became drinking pals. Unfortunately, Roarke was unable to keep up with O’Toole, and was hospitalized with delirium tremens
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a rapid onset of confusion usually caused by withdrawal from alcohol. When it occurs, it is often three days into the withdrawal symptoms and lasts for two to three days. Physical effects may include shaking, shiver ...
before shooting had concluded. Word spread around Hollywood quickly, and Roarke had difficulty finding work as a result. However, an offer to work on a low-budget independent film
An independent film, independent movie, indie film, or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies (or, i ...
brought him to Austin, Texas, in 1982. At the time, Texas
Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...
had a burgeoning movie industry—billing itself as the "Third Coast"—but lacked any real opportunities for aspiring film actors to learn their craft from industry veterans. Recognizing this need, Roarke opened the "Film Actors Lab" in the Dallas Communications Complex at the Studios in Las Colinas. "Graduates" of his program include Darryl Cox, Benton Jennings
Benton Jennings (born October 27, 1955) is an American film, television, commercial, voice-over, and stage actor, writer and director based in Los Angeles, CA.
Career
He attended Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas with a B ...
, Lar Park Lincoln
Laurie Jill "Lar" Park Lincoln (née Park; born May 12, 1961) is an American actress. She appeared in the 1987 film '' House II: The Second Story'' as Kate, the 1988 horror film '' Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood'' as Tina Shepard, and ...
and Lou Diamond Phillips
Louis Diamond Phillips ( born Upchurch; February 17, 1962) is a Filipino-American actor and film director. His breakthrough came when he starred as Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film '' La Bamba'' (1987). For ''Stand and Deliver'' (198 ...
.
Roarke died in Euless
Euless ( ) is a city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Dallas and Fort Worth. Euless is part of the Mid-Cities region between Dallas and Fort Worth. In 2020 Census, the population of Euless was 61,032. The population of t ...
, Texas
Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...
, of an apparent heart attack
A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to the coronary artery of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which may tr ...
.
Personal life
In 1989 Roarke married Carla DeLane and they had one child together. A child from Roarke's previous marriage, Jordan Gerler, was also an actor, appearing in '' Rolling Thunder'' in 1977.
Filmography
* '' 13 West Street'' (1962) - Jack
* '' The Virginian''
** episode A Portrait of Marie Valonne (1963) - Jimmy Raker
* ''Kraft Suspense Theatre
The ''Kraft Suspense Theatre'' is an American television anthology series that was produced and broadcast from 1963 to 1965 on NBC. Sponsored by Kraft Foods, it was seen three weeks out of every four and was pre-empted for Perry Como's ''Kraft Mu ...
''
** episode Are There Any More Out There Like You? (1963) - Paul Durbin
* ''Arrest and Trial
''Arrest and Trial'' is a 90-minute American Crime film, crime/legal drama series that ran during the 1963-64 United States network television schedule, 1963-1964 season on American Broadcasting Company, ABC, airing Sundays from 8:30-10 pm North ...
''
** episode The Best There Is (1964) - Sergeant Kelliher
* ''The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, aired on CBS and NBC between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers and mysteries. Between 1962 and 1965 it was re ...
''
** episode A Matter of Murder (1964) - Al (credited as Jordan Grant)
** episode The Sign of Satan (1964) - Ed Walsh
* ''Ensign Pulver
''Ensign Pulver'' is a 1964 American Technicolor film in Panavision and a sequel to the 1955 film '' Mister Roberts''. The film stars Robert Walker Jr., Burl Ives, Walter Matthau and Tommy Sands and features Millie Perkins, Larry Hagman, K ...
'' (1964) - Mechanic (uncredited)
* '' Fluffy'' (1965) - Bob Brighton
* ''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'' is an American spy fiction television series produced by MGM Television, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television and first broadcast on NBC. The series follows secret agents, played by Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, who wo ...
''
** episode The Foxes and Hounds Affair (1965) - Cantrell
* ''Twelve O'Clock High
''Twelve O'Clock High'' is a 1949 American war film about aircrews in the United States Army's Eighth Air Force, who flew daylight bombing missions against Germany and Occupied France during the early days of American involvement in World War II ...
''
** episode I Am the Enemy (1965) - Capt. Davis
* ''Star Trek: The Original Series
''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry that follows the adventures of the starship and its crew. It later acquired the retronym of ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' (''TOS'') to distinguis ...
''
** episode The Cage
The Cage may refer to:
Sports
* West Fourth Street Courts, also known as "The Cage", as of 1978, a public venue for amateur basketball in New York City
* Al-Shorta Stadium, 1990-2014, former football stadium of Al-Shorta SC, nicknamed "The Cage ...
(1966) - as C.P.O. Garrison (uncredited)
* ''Women of the Prehistoric Planet
''Women of the Prehistoric Planet'' is a 1966 independently made American science fiction/action film directed by Arthur C. Pierce, with Wendell Corey receiving the top billing among the cast.
Plot
A spacefaring crew from an advanced civiliz ...
'' (1966) - Harris
* ''The Road West
The Road West is an American television Western series that aired on NBC from September 12, 1966, to May 1, 1967.
Overview
Ben Pride moves with his children Timothy, Midge, and Kip, his new wife Elizabeth, his father Tom, and his brother-in-law C ...
''
** episode Ashes and Tallow and One True Love (1966) - Hanson
* ''Cyborg 2087
''Cyborg 2087'' is a 1966 science fiction film directed by Franklin Adreon and written by Arthur C. Pierce. The film stars Michael Rennie, Karen Steele, Wendell Corey, and Warren Stevens.
Plot
In 2087, free thought is illegal and the populatio ...
'' (1966) - Deputy Dan
* ''El Dorado
El Dorado (, ; Spanish for "the golden"), originally ''El Hombre Dorado'' ("The Golden Man") or ''El Rey Dorado'' ("The Golden King"), was the term used by the Spanish in the 16th century to describe a mythical tribal chief (''zipa'') or king o ...
'' (1966) - Matt MacDonald
* ''Hells Angels on Wheels
''Hells Angels on Wheels'' is a 1967 American biker film directed by Richard Rush, and starring Adam Roarke, Jack Nicholson, and Sabrina Scharf. The film tells the story of a gas-station attendant with a bad attitude who finds life more exciting ...
'' (1967) - Buddy
* ''Psych-Out
''Psych-Out'' is a 1968 American psychedelic film about hippies, psychedelic music and recreational drugs starring Susan Strasberg, Jack Nicholson (the film's leading man despite being billed under supporting player Dean Stockwell) and Br ...
'' (1968) - Ben
* ''The Savage Seven
''The Savage Seven'' is a 1968 outlaw biker exploitation film directed by Richard Rush, who had directed the previous year's ''Hells Angels on Wheels''. Rush agreed to direct ''The Savage Seven'' in exchange for the opportunity to make the psych ...
'' (1968) - Kisum
* ''The Mod Squad
''The Mod Squad'' is an American crime drama series, originally broadcast for five seasons on ABC from September 24, 1968, to March 1, 1973. It starred Michael Cole as Peter "Pete" Cochran, Peggy Lipton as Julie Barnes, Clarence Williams III as ...
''
** episode The Guru (1968) - Rick Potter
* '' Hell's Belles'' (1969) - Tampa
* ''Nam's Angels
''The Losers'' released on video as ''Nam's Angels'' is a 1970 American biker war film directed by Jack Starrett.
Plot
The plot involves a gang of Hells Angels-type bikers called "The Devil's Advocates" involved in the Vietnam War. They are sent ...
'' (1970) - Duke
* '' A Bullet for Pretty Boy'' (1970) - 'Preacher'
* ''Frogs
A frog is any member of a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians composing the order Anura (ανοὐρά, literally ''without tail'' in Ancient Greek). The oldest fossil "proto-frog" ''Triadobatrachus'' is ...
'' (1972) -Clint Crockett
* ''Play It as It Lays
''Play It as It Lays'' is a 1970 novel by the American writer Joan Didion. ''Time'' magazine included the novel in its " 100 Best English-Language Novels from 1923 to 2005". About the book, Joan Didion said, "I didn’t think it was going to mak ...
'' (1972) - Carter Lang
* '' Medical Center''
** episode Night Cry (1973) - Michael
* '' This Is a Hijack'' (1973) - Mike Christie
* ''Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
''Slaughter's Big Rip-Off'' is a 1973 blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Douglas and written by Charles Eric Johnson. The film stars Jim Brown, Ed McMahon, Don Stroud, Brock Peters, Gloria Hendry and Dick Anthony Williams. The film was relea ...
'' (1973) - Harry (uncredited)
* '' Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry'' (1974) - Deke Sommers
* '' How Come Nobody's on Our Side?'' (1975) - Parson
* ''The Four Deuces
''The Four Deuces'' is a 1975 American comedy film directed by William H. Bushnell and written by C. Lester Franklin. The film stars Jack Palance, Carol Lynley, Warren Berlinger, Adam Roarke, Gianni Russo and Hard Boiled Haggerty. The film wa ...
'' (1976) - Russ Timmons, the Reporter
* '' The Keegans'' (1976, TV Movie) - Larry Keegan
* '' Hughes and Harlow: Angels in Hell'' - Howard Hawks
* ''Return from Witch Mountain
''Return from Witch Mountain'' is a 1978 American science fiction–adventure film and a sequel to '' Escape to Witch Mountain'' (1975) and the second film in the ''Witch Mountain'' franchise. It was produced by Walt Disney Productions. It was w ...
'' (1978) - Museum security guard (uncredited)
* ''The Hardy Boys Mysteries
''The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries'' (re-titled ''The Hardy Boys'' for season three) is an American television mystery series based on the ''Hardy Boys'' and ''Nancy Drew'' juvenile novels. The series, which ran from January 30, 1977, to Janu ...
''
** episode Life on the Line (1979) - Willie Osborne
* ''The Stunt Man
''The Stunt Man'' is a 1980 American action comedy film directed by Richard Rush, starring Peter O'Toole, Steve Railsback, and Barbara Hershey. The film was adapted by Lawrence B. Marcus and Rush from the 1970 novel of the same name by Paul Brod ...
'' (1980) - Raymond Bailey
* ''CHiPs
''CHiPs'' is an American crime drama television series created by Rick Rosner and originally aired on NBC from September 15, 1977, to May 1, 1983. It follows the lives of two motorcycle officers of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The serie ...
''
** episode Home Fires Burning (1981) - Ray Evans
* ''The Beach Girls
''The Beach Girls'' is a 1982 American sex comedy film directed by Pat Townsend. It stars Jeana Tomasino, Val Kline and Debra Blee.
Plot
Two college girls, Ducky and Ginger, meet their naive friend, Sarah, at a Southern California beach house. ...
'' (1982) - Carl Purdue
* ''And They Are Off'' (1982) - Dale Campbell
* '' Trespasses'' (1986) - The Drifters
* '' Slipping Into Darkness'' (1988) - Sheriff
* ''Dangerous Touch
''Dangerous Touch'' is a 1994 American erotic thriller film directed by Lou Diamond Phillips (in his directorial debut) and written by Kurt Voss and Phillips. It stars Phillips and Kate Vernon. It was released direct-to-video on October 12, 1994.
...
'' (1994) - Robert Turner
* ''Sioux City
Sioux City () is a city in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 85,797 in the 2020 census, making it the fourth-largest city in Iowa. The bulk of the city is in Woodbury County, ...
'' (1994) - Douglas Goldman (final film role)
Director
* '' Trespasses'' (1986)
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roarke, Adam
1937 births
1996 deaths
American male film actors
American male television actors
Male actors from New York City
20th-century American male actors
People from Brooklyn