Danny Dayton

Panelists on TV game show Keep Talking. From top: Merv Griffin, Morey Amsterdam, Audrey Meadows and Danny Dayton Danny Dayton (born Daniel David Segall; November 20, 1923 – February 6, 1999) was an American actor and television director. Beginning in the 1950s, he played many roles in film and on TV. He had a recurring role as Hank Pivnik on All in the Family and had guest roles in M*A*S*H, The Incredible Hulk, Charlie's Angels and The Love Boat.

Early years

Dayton was born Daniel David Segall on November 20, 1923, in Jersey City, New Jersey to a Jewish family. He graduated from the school of journalism at New York University (NYU), before turning to acting. He formed the first dramatic society at NYU. After he left NYU he joined the Army, helping to entertain troops as a member of Special Services.

Career Danny Dayton's sharp-featured, hawk-nosed face made him a ready candidate for Runyonesque gangster and sharpie roles, often in comedies. His Broadway appearances included Guys and Dolls (1950), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962, later replacing star Zero Mostel), and I Had a Ball (1964). He was also involved with several New-York based TV shows as an actor or staff member: a performer on The Phil Silvers Show, a panelist on the game show Keep Talking; associate producer of Masquerade Party, and straight-man foil to comedians Joey Faye and Mickey Deems on Mack and Myer for Hire. In addition to acting, Dayton also directed episodes of Occasional Wife, Here's Lucy, and the short-lived series Good Morning World. He was still working as an actor in the 1980s and 1990s (Police Squad, The Nanny, Friends, etc.).

Personal life and death Dayton married actress Dagmar in Las Vegas in May 1951; they divorced in 1961. His second marriage, in 1963, to Arlene Allinson lasted the rest of his life; the couple had four children. in Los Angeles, California.

Recognition Dayton's work in directing TV commercials brought him three Clio Awards, the Cannes Film Festival Award, McMahon's Best 100, and the Addy Award for Excellence.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1950 At War with the Army Supply Sgt. Miller A Martin & Lewis comedy; credited as Dan Dayton 1951 The Enforcer Digger Uncredited 1951 No Questions Asked Harry Dycker 1952 The Turning Point Roy Ackerman 1955 Guys and Dolls Rusty Charlie 1970 Which Way to the Front? Man in Car A Jerry Lewis comedy 1978 Loose Shoes Bartender Alternative titles: Coming Attractions and Quackers 1979 Love At First Bite Billy, first bellboy 1981 Circle of Power David Arnold 1983 The Sting II Ring Announcer 1985 Appointment with Fear Norman 1987 Flicks Ogden Flood (segment 'House of the Living Corpse')1991 The Dark Backward Syd Life Stinks Dirty Bum at Party Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever Mr. Snotgrass 1994 Ed Wood Soundman Television Year Title Role Notes 1950Joey Faye's Frolics Himself2 episodes 1956–1958 The Phil Silvers Show Sergeant Coogan 7 episodes 1969 The United States Steel Hour Mr. Doyle 1 episode 1965 The Nurses Pete 1 episode 1967 Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Clarence Quimby 1 episode 1969 Get Smart Cabbie 1 episode 1975 Barney Miller Harry 1 episode 1976 Sanford and Son Timmy 1 episode 1976–1979 All in the Family Hank Pivnik 15 episodes 1977–1979 Barnaby Jones Sammy / Freddy 2 episodes 1978 Wonder Woman Louis the Lithuanian 1 episode 1979–1980 Archie Bunker's Place Hank Pivnik 10 episodes 1980 The Incredible Hulk Skipper 1 episode1981 CHiPs Kelly 1 episode M*A*S*H Fast Freddie 1 Story 2 episodes That's Show Biz 1982 Police Squad! Joey 1 episode Hart To Hart Butler 1 episode1984 Automan Bookie 1 episode Airwolf Sam the Counterman 1 episode 1985 Simon & Simon Jeweler Joe Wilson 1 episode1986 You Again? Herb 1 episode The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents Buzzy Carelli 1 episode Sledge Hammer! Assassin with knife 1 episode1988 The Hogan Family Stu 1 episode The Facts of Life Mr. Avery 1 episode 1988–1989 It's Garry Shandling's Show Mr. Peck 4 episodes 1989 Mama's Family Shecky Lewis 1 episode 1990 Father Dowling Mysteries Harvey Gorsky 1 episode 1992 Down the Shore Jackie 1 episode1995 ER Art 1 episode Friends Buddy Doyle 1 episode1996 Sisters Morty Meyerhoff 1 episode Caroline in the City Leo Ladman 1 episode1997 The Nanny Keith Rosenstein 1 episode Mad About You Old Man #1 1 episode Mike Hammer, Private Eye Laddie Buck 1 episode 1999 Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane Uncle Sy 1 episode, (final appearance)