Ray Danton (born Raymond Caplan; September 19, 1931 – February 11, 1992) was a radio, film, stage, and television actor, director, and producer whose most famous roles were in the screen biographies ''
The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond
''The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond'' is a 1960 neo-noir crime film directed by Budd Boetticher and starring Ray Danton, Karen Steele and Elaine Stewart. The supporting cast features Warren Oates, Jesse White and Robert Lowery. The picture mar ...
'' (1960) and ''
The George Raft Story
''The George Raft Story'' is a 1961 American biographical film of Hollywood film star George Raft. Ray Danton portrays Raft and the film was directed by Joseph M. Newman. The picture was retitled ''Spin of a Coin'' for release in the United Ki ...
'' (1962). He was married to actress
Julie Adams
Julie Adams (born Betty May Adams; October 17, 1926 – February 3, 2019) was an American actress, billed as Julia Adams toward the beginning of her career, primarily known for her numerous television guest roles. She starred in a number of ...
from 1954 to 1981.
Life and career
Early life
Danton was born Raymond Caplan in New York City, the son of Myrtle (née Menkin) and Jack Caplan.
His family was Jewish, and he was a descendant of the
Vilna Gaon
Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, ( he , ר' אליהו בן שלמה זלמן ''Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman'') known as the Vilna Gaon (Yiddish: דער װילנער גאון ''Der Vilner Gaon'', pl, Gaon z Wilna, lt, Vilniaus Gaonas) or Elijah of ...
.
[
Danton entered show business as a child radio actor on ]NBC
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an Television in the United States, American English-language Commercial broadcasting, commercial television network, broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Enterta ...
radio's ''Let's Pretend
''Let's Pretend'', created and directed by Nila Mack, was a CBS radio series for children. Prior to being renamed ''Let's Pretend'', the program had a variety of titles and formats. In its most famous form, ''Let's Pretend'', the Peabody Award ...
'' show in 1943 at age twelve. He began acting on radio and stage regularly also working as an assistant stage manager.[The Life Story of RAY DANTON
Picture Show; London Vol. 65, Iss. 1697, (Oct 8, 1955): 12.]
Danton attended Horace Mann School
, motto_translation = Great is the truth and it prevails
, address = 231 West 246th Street
, city = The Bronx
, state = New York
, zipcode = 10471
, count ...
and in 1947 he started at what is now Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of its predecessors was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools; it became the Carnegie Institute of Technology ...
where he appeared in many stage productions. He went to New York to try and make it on Broadway and ended up appearing on television dramas. In 1950, he went to London to appear on stage in the Tyrone Power
Tyrone Edmund Power III (May 5, 1914 – November 15, 1958) was an American actor. From the 1930s to the 1950s, Power appeared in dozens of films, often in swashbuckler roles or romantic leads. His better-known films include '' Jesse James'', ...
production '' Mister Roberts''. He returned to guest star on shows like ''Danger'' (an episode directed by Sidney Lumet
Sidney Arthur Lumet ( ; June 25, 1924 – April 9, 2011) was an American film director. He was nominated five times for the Academy Award: four for Best Director for ''12 Angry Men'' (1957), ''Dog Day Afternoon'' (1975), ''Network'' (1976), ...
) and ''Starlight Theatre''.
Danton's acting career was put on hold when he served in the United States Army
The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...
infantry
Infantry is a military specialization which engages in ground combat on foot. Infantry generally consists of light infantry, mountain infantry, motorized infantry & mechanized infantry, airborne infantry, air assault infantry, and marine i ...
during the Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
from 1951–1953. When he returned to the U.S., he resumed his television career, appearing in shows like ''Kraft Theatre
''Kraft Television Theatre'' is an American anthology drama television series running from 1947 to 1958. It began May 7, 1947 on NBC, airing at 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings until December of that year. It first promoted MacLaren's Imperial Chees ...
'', ''The Man Behind the Badge
''The Man Behind the Badge '' is a half-hour American television police drama series which aired on CBS from October 11, 1953, to October 3, 1954. originally hosted by Norman Rose. In its second syndicated season, the host became character ...
'', ''Lux Video Theatre'' and ''You Are There''. He played Jean Lafitte
Jean Lafitte ( – ) was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. He and his older brother Pierre spelled their last name Laffite, but English language documents of the time used "Lafitte". Thi ...
in ''The Pirate and the Lawyer
''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...
'' (1955) for the Hallmark Hall of Fame
''Hallmark Hall of Fame'', originally called ''Hallmark Television Playhouse'', is an anthology program on American television, sponsored by Hallmark Cards, a Kansas City-based greeting card company. The longest-running prime-time series in t ...
. He then received an offer from Universal.
Universal
Danton made his film debut in ''Chief Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse ( lkt, Tȟašúŋke Witkó, italic=no, , ; 1840 – September 5, 1877) was a Lakota war leader of the Oglala band in the 19th century. He took up arms against the United States federal government to fight against encroachment by w ...
'' (1955) playing Little Big Man
Little Big Man ( Lakota: Wičháša Tȟáŋkala), or Charging Bear, was an Oglala Lakota, or Oglala Sioux, who was a fearless and respected warrior who fought under, and was distant cousin to, Crazy Horse ("His-Horse-Is-Crazy"). He opposed the 186 ...
. His second film for Universal ''The Looters
''The Looters'' is a 1967 French film starring Jean Seberg, Serge Gainsbourg and Frederick Stafford
Frederick Stafford (11 March 1928 – 28 July 1979) was a Czechoslovak-born actor. Born Friedrich Strobel von Stein, he spoke fluent Czech, Ger ...
'' (1955) was where he met his future wife Julie Adams
Julie Adams (born Betty May Adams; October 17, 1926 – February 3, 2019) was an American actress, billed as Julia Adams toward the beginning of her career, primarily known for her numerous television guest roles. She starred in a number of ...
.
MGM borrowed him to play Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward (born Edythe Marrenner; June 30, 1917 – March 14, 1975) was an American film actress, best known for her film portrayals of women that were based on true stories.
After working as a fashion model for the Walter Thornton Model A ...
's boyfriend in ''I'll Cry Tomorrow
''I'll Cry Tomorrow'' (1955) is a biopic that tells the story of Lillian Roth, a Broadway star who rebels against the pressure of her domineering mother and struggles with alcoholism after the death of her fiancé. It stars Susan Hayward, Richard ...
'' (1955), a sizeable hit. Back at Universal he had a role in '' The Spoilers'' (1955) then played his first lead in '' Outside the Law'' (1956).
He was prolific in television work as well as film where he received the Golden Globe Award
The Golden Globe Awards are accolades bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association beginning in January 1944, recognizing excellence in both American and international film and television. Beginning in 2022, there are 105 members of t ...
in 1956 for the new male star of the year in film.
He had the lead in ''The Night Runner
''The Night Runner'' is a 1957 American film noir drama film directed by Abner Biberman, produced by Albert J.Cohen and starring Ray Danton and Colleen Miller. Its screenplay was written by Gene Levitt. The story focuses on a released mental pat ...
'' (1957) and appeared in shows like ''Studio 57'', ''Schlitz Playhouse'', ''Playhouse 90
''Playhouse 90'' was an American television anthology series, anthology drama series that aired on CBS from 1956 to 1960 for a total of 133 episodes. The show was produced at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California. Since live anthology dr ...
'', ''Studio One in Hollywood
''Studio One'' is an American anthology drama television series that was adapted from a radio series. It was created in 1947 by Canadian director Fletcher Markle, who came to CBS from the CBC. It premiered on November 7, 1948 and ended on Sept ...
'', ''Matinee Theatre'', ''Climax!'', and ''Decision''.
Warner Bros.
Danton had a supporting role in ''Too Much, Too Soon
''Too Much, Too Soon'' is a 1958 biographical film about Diana Barrymore produced by Warner Bros. It was directed by Art Napoleon and produced by Henry Blanke from a screenplay by Art Napoleon and Jo Napoleon, based on the autobiography by Dian ...
'' (1958) at Warner Bros playing an abusive husband of Diana Barrymore
Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe (March 3, 1921 – January 25, 1960), known professionally as Diana Barrymore, was an American film and stage actress.
Early life
Born Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe in New York, New York, Diana Barrymore was t ...
. He signed a long term contract with the studio, appearing in ''Onionhead
''Onionhead'' is a 1958 comedy-drama film set on a U.S. Coast Guard ship during World War II, starring Andy Griffith and featuring Felicia Farr, Walter Matthau, Erin O'Brien, James Gregory, Joey Bishop, and Claude Akins. It was directed by ...
'' (1958).
Danton starred in ''Tarawa Beachhead
''Tarawa Beachhead'' is a 1958 war film directed by Paul Wendkos. It stars Columbia Pictures contract star Kerwin Mathews in his first leading role and the husband and wife team of Ray Danton and Julie Adams. The working title of the film was '' ...
'' (1958) at Columbia, with co-star Kerwin Mathews, and his off-screen wife Julie Adams. That year, Danton guest-starred in ''Yancy Derringer
''Yancy Derringer'' is an American action/adventure series that was broadcast on CBS from 1958 to 1959, with Jock Mahoney (1919–1989) in the title role. The show was produced by Derringer Productions and filmed in Hollywood by Desilu Production ...
'' and shows ''77 Sunset Strip''.
He returned to MGM to star in two films for Albert Zugsmith
Albert Zugsmith (April 24, 1910 – October 26, 1993) was an American film producer, film director and screenwriter who specialized in low-budget exploitation films through the 1950s and 1960s.
With a background in music promotion (Ted Weems, P ...
: ''The Beat Generation
''The Beat Generation'' is a 1959 American crime film from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring Steve Cochran and Mamie Van Doren, with Ray Danton, Fay Spain, Maggie Hayes, Jackie Coogan, Louis Armstrong, James Mitchum, Vampira, and Ray Anthony. It i ...
'' and '' The Big Operator''.
In 1959, he guest-starred in the episode "The Meeting" of '' Behind Closed Doors''. Danton played American agent Ralph Drake who is sent to Austria to meet with western agents from six Iron Curtain
The Iron Curtain was the political boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1991. The term symbolizes the efforts by the Soviet Union (USSR) to block itself and its s ...
countries after it is revealed that the Soviet Union had named a new head of the secret police.
Warners gave him supporting roles in '' Yellowstone Kelly'' and ''Ice Palace
An ice palace or ice castle is a castle-like structure made of blocks of ice. These blocks are usually harvested from nearby rivers or lakes when they become frozen in winter. The first known ice palace (or, rather, '' ice house'', ледяной ...
'' and gave him the lead in a TV series ''The Alaskans
''The Alaskans'' is a 1959–1960 ABC/Warner Bros. western television series set during the late 1890s in the port of Skagway, Alaska. The show features Roger Moore as "Silky Harris" and Jeff York as "Reno McKee", a pair of adventurers intent ...
'' (1959-1960).
The studio then cast him in his most famous role ''The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond
''The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond'' is a 1960 neo-noir crime film directed by Budd Boetticher and starring Ray Danton, Karen Steele and Elaine Stewart. The supporting cast features Warren Oates, Jesse White and Robert Lowery. The picture mar ...
'' (1960) where he played the eponymous gangster for director Budd Boetticher
Oscar "Budd" Boetticher Jr. ( ; July 29, 1916 – November 29, 2001) was an American film director. He is best remembered for a series of low-budget Westerns he made in the late 1950s starring Randolph Scott.
Early life
Boetticher was born in ...
.
He appeared in the drama series ''Bourbon Street Beat
''Bourbon Street Beat'' is a private detective television series that aired on the ABC network from October 5, 1959, to July 4, 1960, starring Richard Long as Rex Randolph and Andrew Duggan as Cal Calhoun, with Arlene Howell as detective agency s ...
'', '' Hawaiian Eye'', ''Cheyenne'', ''Maverick'' and '' The Roaring 20s''.
In 1960, Danton and Ron Foster were cast as Kane and Tommy Potts, respectively, in the episode "Bounty List" of the western series '' Colt .45''. He also appeared in the ABC/WB western '' Lawman''. Response was so strong Warners announced they would give Danton his own show, ''Las Vegas''.
Instead, he did ''A Fever in the Blood
''A Fever in the Blood'' is a 1961 American courtroom drama, produced and distributed by Warner Brothers. The film features a roster of the studio's television contract players, often miscast according to the film's producer and screenwriter Roy ...
'' (1961) and reprised the role of Legs Diamond in Vic Morrow
Victor Morrow (born Victor Morozoff; February 14, 1929 – July 23, 1982) was an American actor. He came to prominence as one of the leads of the ABC drama series ''Combat!'' (1962–1967), which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstandin ...
's ''Portrait of a Mobster
''Portrait of a Mobster'' is a 1961 American crime film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Vic Morrow, Leslie Parrish and Ray Danton repeating his role as Jack Diamond (gangster), 'Legs' Diamond.PORTRAIT OF A MOBSTER, Monthly Film Bulletin; ...
''.
Danton maintained his gangster persona with the title role in ''The George Raft Story
''The George Raft Story'' is a 1961 American biographical film of Hollywood film star George Raft. Ray Danton portrays Raft and the film was directed by Joseph M. Newman. The picture was retitled ''Spin of a Coin'' for release in the United Ki ...
'', a screen biography of 1930s actor/dancer George Raft
George Raft (born George Ranft; September 26, 1901 – November 24, 1980) was an American film actor and dancer identified with portrayals of gangsters in crime melodramas of the 1930s and 1940s. A stylish leading man in dozens of movies, Raft is ...
. "I guess I'm the last of the big time gangsters," he said in a 1962 interview.
In 1961, Danton co-starred with Rosalind Russell
Catherine Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907November 28, 1976) was an American actress, comedienne, screenwriter, and singer,Obituary ''Variety'', December 1, 1976, p. 79. known for her role as fast-talking newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson in the H ...
, Alec Guinness
Sir Alec Guinness (born Alec Guinness de Cuffe; 2 April 1914 – 5 August 2000) was an English actor. After an early career on the stage, Guinness was featured in several of the Ealing comedies, including ''Kind Hearts and Coronets'' (194 ...
, and Madlyn Rhue
Madlyn Soloman Rhue (née Madeline Roche, October 3, 1935 – December 16, 2003) was an American film and television actress.
Personal life - youth and education
Rhue was born in Washington, D.C., graduated from Los Angeles High School, and st ...
in ''A Majority of One
''A Majority of One'' is a play by Leonard Spigelgass. The 1959–1960 Broadway production was directed by Dore Schary and ran for three previews and 556 performances, with Gertrude Berg, Cedric Hardwicke, and Ina Balin.
Plot
The play is a d ...
''. He was one of many stars in ''The Longest Day'' (1962) and had a supporting role in ''The Chapman Report
''The Chapman Report'' is a 1962 American Technicolor drama film starring Shelley Winters, Jane Fonda, Claire Bloom and Glynis Johns. It was made by DFZ Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. It was directed by George Cukor and produced by ...
'' (1962).
On October 9, 1962, Danton appeared as the gunfighter Vince Jackson in the episode "The Fortune Hunter" of '' Laramie''. He also guest-starred in the NBC western ''Empire
An empire is a "political unit" made up of several territories and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant center and subordinate peripheries". The center of the empire (sometimes referred to as the metropole) ex ...
'' and its successor series '' Redigo'', both starring Richard Egan. November 7, 1962 he took on the role of Lt. Steve Hamilton, one of Col. Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders"(It's 1898 and The Spanish American War)in an episode entitled "Riff-Raff" on the first season of "The Virginian."
Danton was in the TV movie ''FBI Code 98
''FBI Code 98'' is a 1962 crime drama directed by Leslie H. Martinson and produced by Warner Bros. Originally intended as television pilot, the film was instead released theatrically in the United Kingdom in 1962, and in the United States in 1963. ...
'' (1963).
In 1964, Danton was cast in the episode "The Wooing of Perilous Pauline" of ''Death Valley Days
''Death Valley Days'' is an American old-time radio and television anthology series featuring true accounts of the American Old West, particularly the Death Valley country of southeastern California. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program ...
''. He returned to the stage to perform in '' 110 in the Shade''.
Europe
Danton went to Europe to star in ''Sandokan to the Rescue
''Sandokan to the Rescue'' (Italian: ''Sandokan alla riscossa'') is a 1907 adventure novel by the Italian writer Emilio Salgari. It is the seventh in his series featuring the nineteenth century Malayan pirate Sandokan. It is also known by the alt ...
'' (1964) which was popular enough for a sequel '' Return of Sandokan'' (1964). He stayed in Europe to make '' Code Name: Jaguar'' (1965).
He returned to the USA to guest star in ''Honey West'' and ''The Man from UNCLE'' then went back to Europe to make ''Secret Agent Super Dragon
''Secret Agent Super Dragon'' (Italian: ''New York chiama Superdrago'') is a 1966 international co-production Eurospy film directed by Giorgio Ferroni and starring Ray Danton as the titular secret agent.
Plot
The plot centers on a secret agen ...
'' (1966), '' How to Win a Billion... and Get Away with It'' (1967), '' Si muore solo una volta'' (1967), '' Lucky, el intrépido'' (1967), '' Hello Glen Ward, House Dick'' (1968), and '' Die grosse Treibjagd'' (1969).
He would periodically return to the US to guest star on shows like ''Ironside'', ‘’Hawaii Five-0’’, ''It Takes a Thief'', and ''Dan August''.
Producer and director
He formed a production company in Europe producing films like '' The Last Mercenary'' and began directing with '' Deathmaster'' (1972) and ''Psychic Killer
''Psychic Killer'' is a 1975 American horror film directed by Ray Danton and written by Greydon Clark, Mikel Angel and Ray Danton. The film stars Paul Burke, Jim Hutton, Julie Adams, Nehemiah Persoff, Neville Brand and Aldo Ray. The film was ...
'' (1975). Danton continued directing as well as acting and started producing films such as ''Triangle'' in 1971.
He was in ''The Ballad of Billie Blue
The Ballad of Billie Blue (Jailbreakin') is a Christian-themed film that stars Jason Ledger, Renny Roker, Ray Danton, and Sherry Bain. It also features Erik Estrada. A country singer who has a problem with alcohol is sent to prison for a crime he d ...
'' (1972), '' A Very Missing Person'' (1972), '' Runaway!'' (1973), ''The Centerfold Girls
''The Centerfold Girls'' is a 1974 sexploitation thriller film directed by John Peyser. The film is about a sadistic serial killer (Andrew Prine) who targets the centerfold models of popular men's magazines.
Cast
*Andrew Prine as Clement Dunne ...
'' (1974), and ''Apache Blood
''Apache Blood'' is a 1973 American Western film starring Ray Danton. The direction is credited to Thomas Quillen.
The film was originally released as ''A Man Called She'' and is also known by its 1975 reissue title, ''Pursuit''.
Plot summ ...
'' (1975).
Return to the U.S.
He guest-starred in an episode of ''Nakia
Nakia Reynoso (born February 20, 1975), known professionally as Nakia, is an American musician, singer-songwriter and actor living in Austin, Texas. He is a native of Fort Payne, Alabama.
Professional background
Nakia moved to Austin in 200 ...
'' and a ''Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O or Hawaii Five-0 may refer to:
* ''Hawaii Five-0'' (2010 TV series), an American action police procedural television series
* ''Hawaii Five-O'' (1968 TV series), an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productio ...
'' episode "Steal
Now, Pay Later".
He began a busy directing career in television, helming episodes of ''Switch'', ''Baretta'', ''Cagney & Lacey'', ''Fame'', ''T.J. Hooker'' and ''Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer''. "Acting has fallen to an all-time low in this country," he said in a 1985 interview.
He directed a stage production of ''Come Back, Little Sheba'' in 1987.
Danton directed many episodes of ''Magnum PI
''Magnum, P.I.'' is an American crime drama television series starring Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum, a private investigator (P.I.) living on Oahu, Hawaii. The series ran from December 11, 1980 to May 8, 1988 during its first-run broadcast on t ...
'' in Season 8, 1987-1988.
Personal life
Danton was married to actress Julie Adams
Julie Adams (born Betty May Adams; October 17, 1926 – February 3, 2019) was an American actress, billed as Julia Adams toward the beginning of her career, primarily known for her numerous television guest roles. She starred in a number of ...
from 1954 or 1955 until their divorce in 1981. They had two sons: assistant director Steven Danton (b. 1956) and editor Mitchell Danton (b. 1962).
Death
Danton died of kidney failure
Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, is a medical condition in which the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste products from the blood, functioning at less than 15% of normal levels. Kidney failure is classified as eit ...
in Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
, California
California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
.[McMurray, Emily J (editor) ''Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television'' Volume 11, Garland Publishing, Inc. (1993)]
Filmography
*''Chief Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse ( lkt, Tȟašúŋke Witkó, italic=no, , ; 1840 – September 5, 1877) was a Lakota war leader of the Oglala band in the 19th century. He took up arms against the United States federal government to fight against encroachment by w ...
'' (1955) as Little Big Man
*''The Looters
''The Looters'' is a 1967 French film starring Jean Seberg, Serge Gainsbourg and Frederick Stafford
Frederick Stafford (11 March 1928 – 28 July 1979) was a Czechoslovak-born actor. Born Friedrich Strobel von Stein, he spoke fluent Czech, Ger ...
'' (1955) as Pete Corder
*'' The Spoilers'' (1955) as Blackie
*''I'll Cry Tomorrow
''I'll Cry Tomorrow'' (1955) is a biopic that tells the story of Lillian Roth, a Broadway star who rebels against the pressure of her domineering mother and struggles with alcoholism after the death of her fiancé. It stars Susan Hayward, Richard ...
'' (1955) as David Tredman
*'' Outside the Law'' (1956) as John Conrad, alias Johnny Salvo
*'' Somebody Up There Likes Me'' (1956) as Off-Screen Reporter (voice, uncredited)
*''The Night Runner
''The Night Runner'' is a 1957 American film noir drama film directed by Abner Biberman, produced by Albert J.Cohen and starring Ray Danton and Colleen Miller. Its screenplay was written by Gene Levitt. The story focuses on a released mental pat ...
'' (1957) as Roy Turner
*'' Trackdown'' (1957 TV Series) episode "Sweetwater Texas" as Clem Reese
*''Too Much, Too Soon
''Too Much, Too Soon'' is a 1958 biographical film about Diana Barrymore produced by Warner Bros. It was directed by Art Napoleon and produced by Henry Blanke from a screenplay by Art Napoleon and Jo Napoleon, based on the autobiography by Dian ...
'' (1958) as John Howard
*''Onionhead
''Onionhead'' is a 1958 comedy-drama film set on a U.S. Coast Guard ship during World War II, starring Andy Griffith and featuring Felicia Farr, Walter Matthau, Erin O'Brien, James Gregory, Joey Bishop, and Claude Akins. It was directed by ...
'' (1958) as Ensign Dennis Higgins
*''Yancy Derringer
''Yancy Derringer'' is an American action/adventure series that was broadcast on CBS from 1958 to 1959, with Jock Mahoney (1919–1989) in the title role. The show was produced by Derringer Productions and filmed in Hollywood by Desilu Production ...
(1958 TV series) episode "An Ace Called Spade" as Spade Stuart
*''Tarawa Beachhead
''Tarawa Beachhead'' is a 1958 war film directed by Paul Wendkos. It stars Columbia Pictures contract star Kerwin Mathews in his first leading role and the husband and wife team of Ray Danton and Julie Adams. The working title of the film was '' ...
'' (1958) as Lt. Joel Brady
*''The Beat Generation
''The Beat Generation'' is a 1959 American crime film from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring Steve Cochran and Mamie Van Doren, with Ray Danton, Fay Spain, Maggie Hayes, Jackie Coogan, Louis Armstrong, James Mitchum, Vampira, and Ray Anthony. It i ...
'' (1959) as Stan Hess
*'' The Big Operator'' (1959) as Oscar 'The Executioner' Wetzel
*'' Yellowstone Kelly'' (1959) - Sayapi, Gall's Nephew
*''Ice Palace
An ice palace or ice castle is a castle-like structure made of blocks of ice. These blocks are usually harvested from nearby rivers or lakes when they become frozen in winter. The first known ice palace (or, rather, '' ice house'', ледяной ...
'' (1960) as Bay Husack
*''The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond
''The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond'' is a 1960 neo-noir crime film directed by Budd Boetticher and starring Ray Danton, Karen Steele and Elaine Stewart. The supporting cast features Warren Oates, Jesse White and Robert Lowery. The picture mar ...
'' (1960) as Jack 'Legs' Diamond
*''Cheyenne
The Cheyenne ( ) are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. Their Cheyenne language belongs to the Algonquian language family. Today, the Cheyenne people are split into two federally recognized nations: the Southern Cheyenne, who are enroll ...
'' season 5, episode 5: "Savage Breed" (1960) as Marshal Al Lestrade
*''Maverick
Maverick, Maveric or Maverik may refer to:
History
* Maverick (animal), an unbranded range animal, derived from U.S. cattleman Samuel Maverick
Aviation
* AEA Maverick, an Australian single-seat sportsplane design
* General Aviation Design Burea ...
'' season 4, episode 16: "A State Of Siege" (1961) as Don Felipe Archuleta
*''A Fever in the Blood
''A Fever in the Blood'' is a 1961 American courtroom drama, produced and distributed by Warner Brothers. The film features a roster of the studio's television contract players, often miscast according to the film's producer and screenwriter Roy ...
'' (1961) as Attorney Clem Marker
*''Portrait of a Mobster
''Portrait of a Mobster'' is a 1961 American crime film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Vic Morrow, Leslie Parrish and Ray Danton repeating his role as Jack Diamond (gangster), 'Legs' Diamond.PORTRAIT OF A MOBSTER, Monthly Film Bulletin; ...
'' (1961) as 'Legs' Diamond
*''The George Raft Story
''The George Raft Story'' is a 1961 American biographical film of Hollywood film star George Raft. Ray Danton portrays Raft and the film was directed by Joseph M. Newman. The picture was retitled ''Spin of a Coin'' for release in the United Ki ...
'' (1961) as George Raft
*''A Majority of One
''A Majority of One'' is a play by Leonard Spigelgass. The 1959–1960 Broadway production was directed by Dore Schary and ran for three previews and 556 performances, with Gertrude Berg, Cedric Hardwicke, and Ina Balin.
Plot
The play is a d ...
'' (1961) as Jerry Black
*'' The Longest Day'' (1962) as Capt. Frank
*'' Laramie'' (1962 TV series) as Vince Jackson, a very suave conman/gunslinger
*'' The Virginian (1962 TV series) episode "Riff Raff" as Lt. Steve Hamilton, an officer serving under Col. Teddy Roosevelt in the Spanish American War
*''The Chapman Report
''The Chapman Report'' is a 1962 American Technicolor drama film starring Shelley Winters, Jane Fonda, Claire Bloom and Glynis Johns. It was made by DFZ Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. It was directed by George Cukor and produced by ...
'' (1962) as Fred Linden
*''FBI Code 98
''FBI Code 98'' is a 1962 crime drama directed by Leslie H. Martinson and produced by Warner Bros. Originally intended as television pilot, the film was instead released theatrically in the United Kingdom in 1962, and in the United States in 1963. ...
'' (1963) as Fred Vitale
* ''Sandokan to the Rescue
''Sandokan to the Rescue'' (Italian: ''Sandokan alla riscossa'') is a 1907 adventure novel by the Italian writer Emilio Salgari. It is the seventh in his series featuring the nineteenth century Malayan pirate Sandokan. It is also known by the alt ...
'' (1964) as Sandokan
* ''Sandokan Against the Leopard of Sarawak
''Sandokan Against the Leopard of Sarawak'' (Italian: ''Sandokan contro il leopardo di Sarawak'') is a 1964 historical adventure film directed by Luigi Capuano and starring Ray Danton, Franca Bettoia and Guy Madison.Goble p.939 It was made as ...
'' (1964) as Sandokan
*'' Code Name: Jaguar'' (1965) as Jeff Larson
*''Secret Agent Super Dragon
''Secret Agent Super Dragon'' (Italian: ''New York chiama Superdrago'') is a 1966 international co-production Eurospy film directed by Giorgio Ferroni and starring Ray Danton as the titular secret agent.
Plot
The plot centers on a secret agen ...
'' (1966) as Bryan Cooper / Super Dragon
*''Ballata da un miliardo'' (1967) as Big Joe Martin
*' (1967) as Mike Gold
*'' Lucky, the Inscrutable'' (1967) as Lucky
*''Llaman de Jamaica, Mr. Ward'' (1968) as Glen Ward
*'' The Last Mercenary'' (1968) as Mark / Marco Anderson
*''Triangle'' (1970) as Carlo Di Fermi
*' (1971) as Jimmy Logan
*''The Ballad of Billie Blue'' (1972)
*''The Runaway Train
This is a list of ''Doctor Who'' audiobooks. The first ''Doctor Who'' audiobook, consisting of readings by Gabriel Woolf of the novelisations of '' The Three Doctors'', ''Carnival of Monsters'', and ''Terror of the Zygons'', was produced by the ...
'' (1973) as Prof. Jack Dunn
*''Blood, Black and White'' (1973)
*'' Centerfold Girls'' (1974) as Perry
*''Apache Blood
''Apache Blood'' is a 1973 American Western film starring Ray Danton. The direction is credited to Thomas Quillen.
The film was originally released as ''A Man Called She'' and is also known by its 1975 reissue title, ''Pursuit''.
Plot summ ...
'' (1975) as Yellow Shirt
*''The Rockford Files
''The Rockford Files'' is an American detective drama television series starring James Garner that aired on the NBC network from September 13, 1974 to January 10, 1980, and remains in syndication. Garner portrays Los Angeles private investigator ...
'' - TV Series (1975) as Chester Sierra (Episode: Chicken Little is a Little Chicken)
*''Psychic Killer
''Psychic Killer'' is a 1975 American horror film directed by Ray Danton and written by Greydon Clark, Mikel Angel and Ray Danton. The film stars Paul Burke, Jim Hutton, Julie Adams, Nehemiah Persoff, Neville Brand and Aldo Ray. The film was ...
'' (1975) as Narrator (voice, uncredited)
*''Sixpack Annie
''Sixpack Annie'' is a 1975 American International film aimed at the drive-in theatre circuit that was advertised with tags "Lookout... She's Legal Now! She's Out to Tear the Town Apart!" and "She's got the boys glad and the sheriff mad," amongst ...
'' (1975) as Mr. O'Meyer
*'' Our Man Flint: Dead on Target'' (1976) as Derek Flint
References
External links
*
*
Ray Danton in Secret Agent Super Dragon (TCM Movie Morlocks)
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Danton, Ray
1931 births
1992 deaths
20th-century American male actors
American expatriates in Italy
American male film actors
American film directors
American male radio actors
American male stage actors
American male television actors
American television directors
Television producers from California
United States Army personnel of the Korean War
Jewish American male actors
Male actors from Los Angeles
Deaths from kidney failure
Warner Bros. contract players
20th-century American businesspeople
Western (genre) television actors
New Star of the Year (Actor) Golden Globe winners
20th-century American Jews