Thayer David
Thayer David (born David Thayer Hersey; March 4, 1927 – July 17, 1978) was an American film, stage, and television actor. He was best known for his work on the ABC serial Dark Shadows (1966–1971), as Dragon, the Albino ex-Nazi Director of C-2 in The Eiger Sanction (1975) and as the fight promoter Miles Jergens in Rocky (1976). He also appeared as Count Saknussemm in the film Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959), as the Reverend Silas Pendrake in Little Big Man (1970), as Charlie Robbins in Save the Tiger (1973) and as Deacon in Fun with Dick and Jane (1977). His raspy, distinctive voice lent itself to voice-over work in commercials and instructional films.
This article is about the U.S. actor. For the U.S. artist, see David Thayer.
Thayer David
Early life[edit]
Thayer David was born March 4, 1927, in Medford, Massachusetts. His father, Thayer Frye Hersey, was an executive in the paper pulp industry. David attended Harvard University in the 1940s but did not graduate, concentrating instead upon a career on the stage. With financial support from his father, he co-founded the Brattle Theater Company (1948–1952) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and established himself in the professional theatre.[1][2]
Personal life[edit]
A resident of Manhattan, David collected walking sticks, 18th century European landscape paintings, and Victorian furniture.[7] "He was the most widely educated and best-read actor I've ever encountered," said Frank D. Gilroy, who wrote and directed the 1977 TV movie Nero Wolfe.[8]
He was married to and divorced from film and television actress Valerie French.[9]
David died July 17, 1978, of a heart attack in New York City at the age of 51.[10] He and French had been planning to remarry.[11] He was cremated.