Ted Donaldson

Ted Donaldson (August 20, 1933 – March 1, 2023) was an American actor.

Early years Born in Brooklyn, New York, Donaldson was the son of singer-composer Will Donaldson and Josephine M. Donaldson née Plant. His mother died when he was months old. His stepmother was radio organist and composer Muriel Pollock. He attended the Professional Children's School in New York City. In 1941, he played Tiny Tim in a week-long serialized version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol that was presented on Wheatena Playhouse.

As an 8-year-old, Donaldson portrayed Harlan in the Broadway stage production of Life With Father. In 1943, he performed alongside Gregory Peck in the play Sons and Soldiers. He was offered the same role on the television version of the series, but turned it down, saying, "I didn't want to be typed. I didn't want to be a 21-year-old playing a 15- or 16-year-old kid. I wanted to do other things." In his later years, Donaldson gave a number of interviews about his film career.

In January 2023, Donaldson suffered a fall in his Echo Park apartment. He died of complications from the fall on March 1, 2023, at the age of 89.

Filmography

Once Upon a Time (1944) as Arthur "Pinky" Thompson Mr. Winkle Goes to War (1944) as Barry A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) as Neeley Nolan A Guy, a Gal and a Pal (1945) Adventures of Rusty (1945) as Danny Mitchell The Return of Rusty (1946) Personality Kid (1946) For the Love of Rusty (1947) as Danny Mitchell The Son of Rusty (1947) The Red Stallion (1947) as Joel Curtis My Pal (1947) Pal's Adventure (1948) My Dog Rusty (1948) Rusty Leads the Way (1948) The Decision of Christopher Blake (1948) Rusty Saves a Life (1949) The Green Promise (1949) as Phineas Matthews Rusty's Birthday (1949) Phone Call from a Stranger (1952) Flight Nurse (1953) (uncredited) Wiggle Your Ears (1956) (uncredited)