John Bryant

John Bryant (August 10, 1916 – July 13, 1989) was a prolific American actor active from 1944 through 1969. He performed in the famous G.I. version of Hamlet, both in the Central Pacific Theater during World War II and later on Broadway. He also acted in films, but was most prevalent on television, playing many lead and character parts including a five-year recurring role as Dr. Carl Spalding on The Virginian.

Early life He was born Charles Briton Yonts Jr. in Dixon, Illinois on August 10, 1916. By 1930, the family had moved again, to Milwaukee, where his father was now president of an electric utility company. Bryant appears to have been an only child.

He attended Washington High School in Milwaukee. In September 1934, at age 18, he arrived at the Port of New York from Hamburg, Germany. The reason for this trip is not known, but having been made at the height of the Great Depression, points up the comfortable circumstances of his upbringing.

Bryant applied for his social security card in March 1938 under his birth name. The draft registrar recorded him as being , , with black hair, blue eyes, and a slight scar under his right eye. His enlistment papers noted he was married, had completed three years of college, his civil occupation was "Actor", but recorded a much lower height, , and weight. in a Hawaiian-based Army Entertainment Section attached to the Signal Corps. (Performers assigned to these units were often given officer rank if they had some college or formal professional training). The unit to which Bryant was assigned was commanded by Major Maurice Evans, one of the foremost interpreters of Shakespeare on the pre-war American stage.

During October 1944, Bryant played Horatio to Evans's Prince Hamlet in a famous G.I. version of Hamlet. Reviewer Edna B. Lawson said "Capt. C.B. Yonts portrayed Horatio with quietness, strength, and poise".

Career Early career The "G.I. Hamlet" was so successful that following the war's end Michael Todd decided to mount a Broadway revival, with Maurice Evans reprising the title role. Bryant, on terminal leave from the Army, flew from Hawaii to New York in November 1945 to audition and was given the part of Francisco. Notably, the newspaper reporting this identified him as "Capt. John Bryant". Later that same year he began getting uncredited bit parts in films at several different movie studios. The first one released was Dial 1119, followed in 1951 by four more minor films.

With 1952 Bryant's career began to blossom. He had his first credited film role in Red Snow, his first known television roles on episodes of Big Town and The Lone Ranger, and played the lead in an original play Willow Whistle at the Laguna Beach Playhouse. Bryant was cast as a psychopathic killer in another original production, Nightshade, at the Pasadena Playhouse in March 1953, for which he received high praise from the Los Angeles Times critic.

Bryant had a minor uncredited part in From Here to Eternity. He did another original play, Music in the Distance, at Laguna in September 1953, in which he most favorably impressed the reviewer.

Television and film 1954–1958 With 1954 the focal point of Bryant's performances swung permanently to television, while his film career remained negligible, a string of uncredited bit parts. He did a dozen TV episodes that year, including three for The Loretta Young Show, and two for Schlitz Playhouse of Stars. He also handled leading roles in three week-long productions at the Laguna Beach Playhouse during the summer. The following year he had fourteen appearances on television, all but three for anthology series. He also performed on stage in My Three Angels for a weeklong run in Phoenix.

For 1956 Bryant again did fourteen episodes of television, a large number for any actor not playing a regular on a series. For most of these appearances he was either the lead or a featured performer. His tally of TV episodes dipped slightly in 1957, as he had a flurry of film roles that year. Three were uncredited, one was a short subject, but Courage of Black Beauty marked his first lead film role. The following year he had his second lead film role, albeit for an independent Christian-themed production with a limited distribution, I'll Give My Life. He also did nearly a dozen television episodes in 1958, and the play Dream Girl.

Television and film 1959–1962 By 1959 anthology shows share of television had diminished in favor of narrative series with continuing casts. Bryant also rode this trend, doing three episodes of Perry Mason, playing a different character on each. He did six other television shows that year, as well as a film, The Bat.

His only other film role of consequence during this period was as a neglectful husband to Kim Novak in Strangers When We Meet. His mainstay was television; he did twenty-five episodes on nearly as many series from 1960 through 1962.

The Virginian and later television Beginning in 1963 Bryant had a long-running recurring role on the top-rated series The Virginian. For five years he played Dr. Carl Spalding in this 90-minute western, performing in two dozen episodes. He had other television work during these years, appearing on Dr. Kildare, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., My Three Sons, Run for Your Life, Dragnet 1967, and The Mod Squad among others. During the fall of 1969 he appeared in the pilot episode of a new series called The New People. This was his last screen performance for nearly twenty years, until he appeared in a single episode of Highway to Heaven during early 1988. However, he continued to act in stage productions in the Southern California area, and had completed a run in Very Nearly a Pinter just two months before his death from cancer on July 13, 1989.

Personal life While studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, Bryant met a model named Janet Remick, who was from Massachusetts. They were married in 1941, Starring Julia Meade, with Loyal Lukas, Jesse Glendining, John Bonitz, Lynn Bailey. Backstage comedy by David French has Bryant and others as feuding professionals in a Toronto theater. One act drawing room parody by Maximilian Bocek has Bryant playing a semi-senile English eccentric. Jim Houston Uncredited Two Sons Denny Bennett Bryant and Wright King play sons of John Hoyt. Christian-themed independent short produced by Family Films. Young Man Uncredited The 27th Day Federal Agent Kelly Uncredited Courage of Black Beauty Sam Adams A rare lead role for Bryant, though for a Grade B film. With Johnny Crawford, Mimi Gibson, Diane Brewster, Russell Johnson, J. Pat O'Malley, Ziva Rodann, Nancy Abbate.

Run Silent, Run Deep Carl Beckman Uncredited. The Last Hurrah Man at Campaign HQ Uncredited. I'll Give My Life James W. Bradford Bryant has the lead for this feature length Christian-themed independent film. With Ray Collins, Angie Dickinson, Donald Woods. The Bat Mark Fleming Bryant plays nephew of murdered bank president. Bells Are Ringing Doorman Uncredited Strangers When We Meet Ken Gault Bryant negelcts wife Kim Novak so married architect Kirk Douglas dallies with her.

The Marriage-Go-Round Young Professor Uncredited The Flight that Disappeared Hank Norton Twist Around the Clock Harry Davis 1962 Walk on the Wild Side Spence 1964 To Trap a Spy Henchman Uncredited

Those Calloways Doug Uncredited Runaway Girl 1969 Winning Uncredited; his final known film role.

Television performances + Television (in original broadcast order, excluding commercials) Year Series Episode Role Notes 1952Big Town The Hero Nelson Karnes The Lone Ranger Best Laid Plans Chick Thompson 1954Mr. & Mrs. North Model for Murder Robert Hastings Four Star Playhouse Masquerade Sabin Ida Lupino and fiancée Bryant are target of her ex- during Mardi Gras. Schlitz Playhouse Something Wonderful Paul Chalmers Deceitful producer (Claude Dauphin) entices young hopeful (Marcia Patrick) into ignoring her beau (Bryant). Topper The Wedding Roger The Loretta Young Show No Help Wanted Sgt. Nick Hummerstein City Detective Midnight Supper The Loretta Young Show It's a Man's Game Dr. Lindy Schlitz Playhouse The Long Trail Sam Gates Anthony Quinn plays a Texas Ranger looking in Oregon for wanted man (Bryant). The Loretta Young Show Our Sacred Honor David Walton Adventures of the Falcon Invisible Destroyer LowellThe Lineup Cop Shooting Story Jack LeeWaterfront Troubled Waters Dan Brennan1955Studio 57 The Big Jump Jim Clayton Uranium prospecting couple (Bryant and Nancy Gates) fight off a claim jumper. The Loretta Young Show 600 Seconds Andy DelaneyThe Public Defender A Pair of Gloves Allen LoganThe Loretta Young Show The Little Teacher David LindsayScience Fiction Theatre Y..O..R..D.. Warrant Officer MilliganStudio 57 The Deadly Doubt Paul Employer wants to breakup office romance between Bryant and Laura Elliott The Millionaire The Uncle Robby Story Richard Curtis Uncle Robby (Percy Helton) dies untimely for newlyweds Bryant and Barbara Bates. The Lone Ranger The Sheriff's Wife Sheriff Frank RussellThe Man Behind the Badge The Case of Operation Sabotage Pierce TorringtonScience Fiction Theatre Target Hurricane LieutenantTV Reader's Digest The Voyage of Captain Tom Jones, Pirate Captain Miles Standish Louis Hayward stars, with Kathryn Beaumont, Noel Drayton, John Stephenson, Edward Colmans. This Is the Life Too Late... Yet Not Too Late Hot-tempered man (Bryant) regrets his angry words. Star Stage The Girl Who Wasn't Wanted Cavalcade of America Barbed Wire Christmas Fred Bryant and Chuck Connors are Americans in German POW camp during Dec 1944. 1956Cavalcade of America The Boy Who Walked to America Security OfficerStudio 57 Georgia Man Maj. Sandie Caught sleeping on guard duty, a Confederate soldier is given a second chance. The 20th Century Fox Hour Crack-Up Draftsman #2 Navy Log Not a Leg to Stand On Lt. Robbins Schlitz Playhouse Officer Needs Help Lt. Lyle Smith New police chief (Stephen McNally) tries to improve his poorly trained force. Studio 57 The Faithful Heart Ralph Woman battles small town hostility. With Teresa Wright, Gracie Fields, Isabel Withers, John Hamilton. Lux Video Theatre She Married Her Boss George With Jan Sterling. Sunday Spectacular The Road to Hollywood Himself Bob Hope NBC color special with host of stars. Schlitz Playhouse Witness to Condemn Tony Savage Beaten blind by gangsters, girl hopes to see again. With Teresa Wright, Warren Stevens, Ray Walker. This Is the Life The Voice Within Al Walsh Fatal fire caused by poor wiring haunts electrician (Bryant). With Forrest Taylor, Onslow Stevens, Nan Boardman, Jean Howell, James Seay. The Adventures of Dr. Fu Manchu The Secret of Fu Manchu Franklin Arnold Jr.The Adventures of Jim Bowie Natchez Trace Samuel Cummings Bowie escorts travelers to Natchez. With Ross Elliott, Brad Morrow, Havis Davenport. Lux Video Theatre Because of You MikeState Trooper Nevada Boy, Pride and Joy Hank Greenlee1957Father Knows Best Short Wave SkipperThis Is the Answer Mission to Korea Henry Fowler Bryant plays reporter in this religious-themed drama for Sunday morning viewing. Code 3 The Rookie Sheriff LaneNavy Log Ito of Attu Doc Navy doctor treats wounded Japanese soldier (Harold Fong) during WWII. Panic! The Airline Hostess Captain Jenkins Enemy agent tries to flee by commercial airline. With Carolyn Jones and Paul Picerni. The Silent Service The Trout at the Rainbow's End Lt. Alvin H. Clark This Is the Life Design from Heaven Pastor Dwyer Polio-stricken woman loses hope of treatment. With Mary Lawrence, Alan Hale Jr., Linda Bennett, Herb Ellis. Official Detective The Wristwatch ReevesSchlitz Playhouse The Hole Card Robert Lady gambler (Tallulah Bankhead) feels her losing streak will soon end. 1958Sgt. Preston of the Yukon The Diamond Collar Alex Kieth Official Detective Trail of Terror Detective ElleryThe Adventures of McGraw The Lie That Came True Neal Denquist Man (Charles Watts) invents fake crime to which another man (Bryant) confesses. The Gray Ghost Contraband LattimoreThe Silent Service The U.S.S. Cod's Lost Boarding Party Lt. Cmdr. Edward L. WestbrookSchlitz Playhouse Way of the West Lt. Harry Ryan Frontier town suffering from epidemic is also beset by gunmen. Schlitz Playhouse False Alarm Patrolman Kenny Cabbie is forced into armored car heist. Stars Jack Carson, Janice Rule, Joseph Wiseman, with Madge Blake. Flight Experiment Oxygen How to Marry a Millionaire A Job for Jesse Dr. StrickThe Donna Reed Show Guest in the House Major Barker Bryant plays father to runaway boy (Charles Herbert); with Stephen Courtleigh and John Reach. Yancy Derringer Three Knaves from New Haven Joshua Devon1959Perry Mason The Case of the Footloose Doll Bob Wallace Bryant phones in his only scene as an embezzling heel. Border Patrol Test of Strength Goodwin Perry Mason The Case of the Watery Witness George Clark Bryant is accused of murdering an old-time movie star. Men Into Space Is There Another Civilisation? Maj. BowersNot for Hire Uniformed Mugger GraysonThe Comedy Spot Meet the Girls Ken Evans Unsold pilot, starred Mamie Van Doren, Virginia Field, Gale Robbins. Perry Mason The Case of the Nine Dolls Larry Osborne Bryant is revealed to be secret benefactor of orphan girl (Laurie Perreau). Coronado 9 A Bookie Is Not a Bibliophile Frank BannerThe Ann Sothern Show Secret Admirer Dave ShelleyShotgun Slade The Lady and the Piano Saloon Owner1961The Islanders Escape from Kaledau Maxwell Two castaways (Bryant and Henry Daniell) hijack a rescue plane and fly it to Kaledau. Lock-Up End of a Titan Attorney defends artist accused of murdering architect. Checkmate Phantom Lover Roland Devers Young girl is being haunted. Coronado 9 Flee Now, Pay Later Mike TelfordThe Case of the Dangerous Robin Falling Star Mr. Ed Pine Lake Lodge JerrySea Hunt Imposter Investigator LarrabeeCain's Hundred Blue Water, White Beach RonnieEverglades! Heat in Town Whitney Luten1962Checkmate The Star System The Leading Man Perry Mason The Case of the Crippled Cougar Arnold Keith No one could play a complete louse as well as Bryant. Wagon Train The Charley Shutup Story Cavalry Officer Ripcord The Helicopter Race Owen's Boss Saints and Sinners Daddy's Girl Hal Simmons1963Ripcord The Money Line Stuart Langton Perry Mason The Case of the Prankish Professor Mike Estridge The Virginian Say Goodbye to All That Dr. Carl Spalding Bryant's first of many recurring appearances on this show Vengenance Is the Spur Dr. Carl Spalding The Golden Door Dr. Carl Spalding The Eleventh Hour Everybody Knows You Left Me Ed This Is the Life When Parents Fail Don Griffin Religious-themed seriesThe Virginian The Evil That Men Do Frank Mason The only episode of this series in which Bryant performed as a character other than Dr. SpauldingDr. Kildare The Eleventh Commandmant Mike Shipman The Virginian A Time Remembered Dr. Carl Spalding1964Wagon Train The Michael Malone Story The Doctor The Virginian The Thirty Days of Gavin Heath Dr. Carl Spalding Larger role than usual for Bryant as his character deals with a case of rabies. The Long Quest Dr. Carl Spalding A Bride for Lars Dr. Carl Spalding Dark Destiny Dr. Carl Spalding Ryker Dr. Carl Spalding Dark Challenge Dr. Carl Spalding The Hour of the Tiger Dr. Carl Spalding 1965The Virginian Two Men Named Laredo Dr. Carl Spaulding Hideout Dr. Carl Spalding Lost Yesterday Dr. Carl SpaldingThe Man from U.N.C.L.E. The Four-Steps Affair Henchman An uncredited roleThe Virginian Old Cowboy Dr. Carl Spaulding1966The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The Minus-X Affair Officer The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The Super-Colossal Affair Hardy Twill The Monroes Ordeal By Hope Doctor Once again Bryant is a frontier doctor dealing with rabies.The Virginian Beloved Outlaw Dr. Carl Spaulding 1967The Virginian Doctor Pat Dr. Carl Spaulding Spalding (Bryant) acquires a female colleague (Jill Donohue), and a wife (Jacqueline Mayo), for this episode only. Dragnet 1967 Robbery: DR-15 Ray The Virginian Nora Dr. Carl Spaulding 1969The Mod Squad Shell Game Dispatcher The New People Pilot Pilot Appearing as a pilot in this pilot episode, Bryant's character dies early.1988Highway to Heaven Time in a Bottle Chairman How Bryant came to appear on this show after a 20-year absence from TV is unknown.