Dolph Sweet

Adolphus Jean Sweet (July 18, 1920 – May 8, 1985) was an American actor credited with nearly 60 television and film roles and more than 50 roles in stage productions, including performances on Broadway. He often played policemen throughout his career, and may be best known for his portrayal of police chief and father Carl Kanisky on the sitcom Gimme a Break! from 1981 until his death in May 1985.

Early life Sweet was born in New York City. In 1939, he attended the University of Alabama but interrupted his studies to serve a tour of duty in World War II with the 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the Eighth Air Force as a second lieutenant and navigator on B-24 Liberator bomber aircraft. His plane was downed over Romania during Operation Tidal Wave and he subsequently spent two years as a prisoner of war. He joined other prisoners in staffing short plays in the camp, sparking his interest in acting when he returned from the war. His Gimme a Break! co-star, Nell Carter, gave the eulogy at his funeral on May 11, and recorded a short eulogy to air that same night, at the start of the show's final episode for the season.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1961 The Young Doctors Police Car Driver 1966 You're a Big Boy Now Patrolman Francis Graf 1967–1968 The Edge of Night Harry Constable 1968 A Lovely Way to Die Captain Haver 1968 The Swimmer Henry Biswanger 1968 Finian's Rainbow Sheriff 1969 The Lost Man Police Captain 1970 Colossus: The Forbin Project Missile Commander 1970 The Out-of-Towners Police Sergeant 1971 The Telephone Book Obscene-Caller 1972–1977 Another World Gil McGowan 1972 The New Centurions Sergeant Runyon 1972 Sisters Detective Kelly 1972 Fear Is the Key Jablonsky 1973 Cops and Robbers George 1974 The Lords of Flatbush Mr. Rosiello 1974 Amazing Grace Mayor Scott 1974 The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Police Captain Costello Uncredited voice 1977 The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training Mr. Manning 1977 Which Way Is Up? The Boss 1978 Go Tell the Spartans General Harnitz 1978 Heaven Can Wait Head coach 1978 Angie The Sheriff 1978 Little House on the Prairie Mr Swaggart 1979 The Wanderers "Chubby" Galasso 1980 Below the Belt LeRoi 1980 When the Whistle Blows Norm Jenkins 1981 Reds Bill "Big Bill" Haywood 1981 Hart to Hart Ed Perkins 1981–1985 Gimme a Break! Carl Kanisky