Born: May 20, 1927 – Died: July 18, 2019
Albert David Hedison Jr., more famously known as David Hedison, was a prominent actor born in Providence, Rhode Island. The elder son of Armenian immigrants Albert and Rose Hedison, David grew up in an environment far removed from the glitz of Hollywood. His father, who ran a jewelry enameling business, envisioned a similar path for his son. However, David, inspired by the cinematic prowess of Tyrone Power, had his heart set on a different journey – acting.
Early Life and Career
Following his service as a Seaman 2nd Class in the navy, Hedison pursued his passion for acting. He honed his craft at Brown University, the Neighborhood Playhouse school in Manhattan, and the esteemed Actor's Studio. His dedication and talent were soon recognized when he received a Theatre World Award for his performance in the off-Broadway play "A Month in the Country."
Hedison's first major screen appearance came in 1954, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in film and television. He gained significant recognition for his role as scientist André Delambre in "The Fly," a part that not only showcased his acting skills but also steered him towards more science fiction and fantasy roles. His portrayal of Captain Lee Crane in "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" is arguably his most iconic role, earning him widespread acclaim and a permanent place in the hearts of sci-fi enthusiasts.
David Hedison's versatility as an actor was further evidenced by his performances in the James Bond films "Live and Let Die" and "Licence to Kill," where he played CIA operative Felix Leiter. This role, along with numerous appearances in popular crime dramas, cemented his status as a reliable and talented actor in the industry.
Off-screen, Hedison led a fulfilling personal life. He was married to Bridget Hedison and was a father to two children, including the well-known actress and director Alexandra Hedison. His other talents and interests, coupled with his philanthropic endeavors, painted the picture of a man deeply connected to his craft and community.
In summarizing David Hedison's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, it's clear that his legacy is defined by his versatility, dedication, and the depth he brought to each role. His journey from a jeweler's son to a celebrated actor is a testament to his enduring appeal and the mark he left as an icon in the world of cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk | Interviewee #2 |
| 2013 | Superman and the Secret Planet (Video) | Jor El |
| 2005 | The Reality Trap | Morgan Jameson |
| 2004 | The Young and the Restless (TV Series) | Arthur Hendricks |
| 2004 | Spectres | William |
| 2001 | *Megiddo: The Omega Code 2* | Daniel Alexander |
| 2000 | Mach 2 | Stuart Davis |
| 1999 | Fugitive Mind (Video) | Senator Davis |
| 1991–1995 | Another World (TV Series) | Spencer Harrison | Grant Harrison |
| 1990 | Undeclared War | US Ambassador |
| 1989 | Licence to Kill | Felix Leiter |
| 1986–1989 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Victor Casper | Victor Caspar | Mitch Payne |
| 1987 | The Law and Harry McGraw (TV Series) | Blake Deveraux |
| 1987 | Who's the Boss? (TV Series) | Jim Ratcliff |
| 1985–1987 | The Colbys (TV Series) | Roger Langdon |
| 1985–1987 | Hotel (TV Series) | Dr. Howard Bentley | Jack Fitzpatrick |
| 1986 | Smart Alec | Frank Wheeler |
| 1985 | Trapper John, M.D. (TV Series) | Miles Warner |
| 1985 | The A-Team (TV Series) | David Vaughn |
| 1985 | Crazy Like a Fox (TV Series) | Ed Galvin |
| 1985 | A.D. (TV Mini Series) | Porcius Festus |
| 1985 | Knight Rider (TV Series) | Theodore Cooper |
| 1985 | Finder of Lost Loves (TV Series) | Neil Palmer |
| 1985 | Double Trouble (TV Series) | David Burke |
| 1985 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) | Austin Tyler |
| 1977–1985 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Barry Singer | Cliff Jacobs | Bradford York ... |
| 1982–1985 | The Fall Guy (TV Series) | Monte Sorrenson | Milo | Jordan Stevens |
| 1984 | Partners in Crime (TV Series) | Davidson |
| 1984 | The Naked Face | Dr. Peter Hadley |
| 1978–1984 | Fantasy Island (TV Series) | Daniel Garman | Phillip Camden | Captain John Day ... |
| 1983 | Kenny Rogers as The Gambler: The Adventure Continues (TV Movie) | Carson |
| 1983 | Dynasty (TV Series) | Sam Dexter |
| 1983 | Amanda's (TV Series) | David |
| 1982 | Matt Houston (TV Series) | Pierre Cerdan |
| 1982 | Romance Theatre (TV Series) | Marc |
| 1982 | T.J. Hooker (TV Series) | Saxon |
| 1982 | Hart to Hart (TV Series) | Miles Wiatt |
| 1981 | Nero Wolfe (TV Series) | Phillip Corrigan |
| 1978–1981 | Charlie's Angels (TV Series) | John Thornwood | Carter Gillis |
| 1980 | North Sea Hijack | King |
| 1979 | Benson (TV Series) | John Taylor |
| 1979 | The Power Within (TV Movie) | Danton |
| 1979 | Greatest Heroes of the Bible (TV Series) | Ashpenaz |
| 1978 | Flying High (TV Series) | Glen Dodson |
| 1978 | Colorado C.I. (TV Movie) | David Royce |
| 1978 | Project U.F.O. (TV Series) | Frederick Flanagan |
| 1978 | The Bob Newhart Show (TV Series) | Steve Darnell |
| 1977 | Gibbsville (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1977 | Wonder Woman (TV Series) | Evan Robley |
| 1977 | Murder in Peyton Place (TV Movie) | Steven Cord |
| 1977 | Barnaby Jones (TV Series) | Paul Nugent |
| 1976 | Family (TV Series) | Peter Towne |
| 1976 | Ellery Queen (TV Series) | Roger Woods |
| 1975 | Bronk (TV Series) | Lyle Brewster |
| 1973–1975 | Cannon (TV Series) | David Farnum | John Sandler | Gordon Bell |
| 1975 | The Art of Crime (TV Movie) | Parker Sharon |
| 1975 | The Lives of Jenny Dolan (TV Movie) | Dr. Wes Dolan |
| 1975 | Adventures of the Queen (TV Movie) | Dr. Peter Brooks |
| 1975 | For the Use of the Hall (TV Movie) | Allen |
| 1974 | The ABC Afternoon Playbreak (TV Series) | Clay |
| 1974 | The Manhunter (TV Series) | Jeffrey Donnenfield |
| 1974 | The Compliment (TV Movie) | Steve Barker |
| 1974 | The Wide World of Mystery (TV Series) | Herbert Kasson |
| 1974 | Medical Center (TV Series) | Dave |
| 1974 | Shaft (TV Series) | Gil Kirkwood |
| 1973 | The Man in the Wood (TV Movie) | Edmund Hardy |
| 1973 | The New Perry Mason (TV Series) | Calvin Ryan |
| 1973 | The Cat Creature (TV Movie) | Prof. Roger Edmonds |
| 1973 | Live and Let Die | Leiter |
| 1973 | Crime Club (TV Movie) | Nick Kelton |
| 1972–1973 | The F.B.I. (TV Series) | Scott Jordan | Lou Forrester |
| 1972 | BBC Play of the Month (TV Series) | John Buchanan |
| 1972 | ITV Saturday Night Theatre (TV Series) | Bill Kromin |
| 1971 | A Kiss Is Just a Kiss (TV Movie) | Kit Shaeffer |
| 1970 | Kemek | Nick |
| 1969 | Love, American Style (TV Series) | Rob (segment "Love and the Other Love") |
| 1968 | Journey to the Unknown (TV Series) | William Searle |
| 1964–1968 | Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (TV Series) | Capt. Lee B. Crane | Captain Crane | Captain Lee Crane ... |
| 1965 | The Greatest Story Ever Told | Philip |
| 1964 | The Farmer's Daughter (TV Series) | Richard Barden |
| 1964 | The Saint (TV Series) | Bill Harvey |
| 1962 | Perry Mason (TV Series) | Damion White |
| 1961 | Bus Stop (TV Series) | Max Hendricks |
| 1961 | Marines, Let's Go | Pfc. Dave Chatfield |
| 1961 | Hong Kong (TV Series) | Roger Ames |
| 1959–1960 | Five Fingers (TV Series) | Victor Sebastian |
| 1960 | The Lost World | Ed Malone |
| 1958 | Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys! | Narrator (voice, uncredited) |
| 1958 | Discussion Materials | Jamie (as Al Hedison) |
| 1958 | The Fly | Andre Delambre (as Al Hedison) |
| 1957 | The Enemy Below | Lt. Ware (as Al Hedison) |
| 1956 | Star Tonight (TV Series) | (as Al Hedison) |
| 1955 | Kraft Theatre (TV Series) | (as Al Hedison) |
| 1954 | Danger (TV Series) | Unknown |