Charles Lane (born Charles Gerstle Levison; January 26, 1905 – July 9, 2007) was an American character actor of stage and screen.
Recognized for his parts in such movies as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life, State of the Union, and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and for his recurring role as Homer Bedloe on Petticoat Junction, Lane made hundreds of other appearances in both film and television through a career that lasted more than seven decades, customarily playing scowling, ill-tempered jerkasses.
Originally from San Francisco, Lane worked in the insurance industry—as his father had—before going into a career as an actor at the Pasadena Playhouse. He was married to Ruth Covell Lane for more than 70 years and the couple had two children. Lane died of natural causes in 2007 at the age of 102.
Charles Lane filmography:
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Film roles
- 1930 City Girl: Man at Train Station (uncredited)
- 1931 Smart Money: Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited)
- 1931 The Road to Singapore: Desk Clerk at Club (uncredited)
- 1931 Blonde Crazy: Four-Eyes – Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited)
- 1931 Manhattan Parade: Desk Clerk (uncredited)
- 1931 Union Depot: Luggage Checkroom Clerk (uncredited)
- 1932 The Mouthpiece: Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited)
- 1932 Blessed Event: Clerk (uncredited)
- 1933 Employees' Entrance: Shoe Salesman (uncredited)
- 1933 Grand Slam: Ivan (uncredited)
- 1933 42nd Street: Author of “Pretty Lady” (uncredited)
- 1933 Blondie Johnson: Cashier (uncredited)
- 1933 Central Airport: Amarillo Radio Operator (uncredited)
- 1933 Gold Diggers of 1933: Society Reporter (uncredited)
- 1933 Private Detective 62: Process Server (uncredited)
- 1933 She Had to Say Yes: Mr. Bernstein
- 1933 My Woman: Conn
- 1933 The Bowery: Doctor (uncredited)
- 1933 Advice To The Forlorn: Circulation Manager (uncredited)
- 1933 Mr Skitch: Hotel Clerk (uncredited)
- 1934 The Show Off: Mr. Weitzenkorn (uncredited)
- 1934 Looking For Trouble: Switchboard Operator
- 1934 Twenty Million Sweethearts: Reporter (uncredited)
- 1934 Twentieth Century: Max Jacobs
- 1934 Lets Talk It Over: Reporter (uncredited)
- 1934 Ill Fix It: Al Nathan
- 1934 Broadway Bill: Sully – Morgan’s Henchman
- 1934 A Wicked Woman: Defense Attorney Beardsley (uncredited)
- 1934 The Band Plays On: Shyster Lawyer (uncredited)
- 1935 One More Spring: Representative (uncredited)
- 1935 Princess O Hara: Morris Goldberg (uncredited)
- 1935 Ginger: Judge (uncredited)
- 1935 Woman Wanted: Defense Attorney Herman (uncredited)
- 1935 Here Comes The Band: Mr. Scurry
- 1935 Two For Tonight: Writer
- 1936 The Milky Way: Willard
- 1936 It Had To Happen: State Examiner (uncredited)
- 1936 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town: Hallor (uncredited)
- 1936 Ticket to Paradise: Shyster (uncredited)
- 1936 The Crime Of Dr Forbes: Defense Attorney
- 1936 The Bride Walks Out: Judge (uncredited)
- 1936 Thirty Six Hours To Kill: Rickert
- 1936 Two Fisted Gentleman: Joe Gordon
- 1936 Lady Luck: Feinberg
- 1936 Easy To Take: Skip – Reporter
- 1936 Come Closer Folks: Prosecutor (uncredited)
- 1936 Three Men On A Horse: Cleaner (uncredited)
- 1937 Criminal Lawyer: Nora’s Attorney (uncredited)
- 1937 Were On The Jury: Mr. Horace Smith
- 1937 Sea Devils: Judge
- 1937 Internes Cant Take Money: Grote
- 1937 Venus Makes Trouble: District Attorney
- 1937 Big Business: Webster – Bank Representative (uncredited)
- 1937 Born Reckless: Barnes’ Lawyer (uncredited)
- 1937 One Mile From Heaven: Webb – Fingerprint Man (uncredited)
- 1937 Bad Guy: Walden’s Lawyer (uncredited)
- 1937 Fit For A King: Spears (uncredited)
- 1937 Trapped By G Men: Fingers
- 1937 Hot Water: Grayson (uncredited)
- 1937 Danger Love At Work: Gilroy
- 1937 Partners in Crime: Druggist (uncredited)
- 1937 Ali Goes To Town: Doctor
- 1937 Nothing Sacred: Rubenstein (uncredited)
- 1938 In Old Chicago: Booking Agent (deleted role)
- 1938 City Girl: Dr. Abbott (uncredited)
- 1938 Joy Of Living: Fan in Margaret’s Dressing Room (uncredited)
- 1938 Cocoanut Grove: Weaver (uncredited)
- 1938 The Rage Of Paris: Department Head (uncredited)
- 1938 Professor Beware: Joe – Photographer (uncredited)
- 1938 You Can't Take It With You: Henderson
- 1938 Three Loves Has Nancy: Cleaning Store Manager (uncredited)
- 1938 Always In Trouble: Donald Gower
- 1938 Blondie: Furniture Salesman (uncredited)
- 1938 Thanks For Everything: Dr. Olson
- 1938 Kentucky: Auctioneer
- 1939 Boy Slaves: Albee
- 1939 Inside Story: District Attorney
- 1939 Let Us Live: Auto Salesman (uncredited)
- 1939 Lucky Night: Carpenter
- 1939 Rose Of Washington Square: Sam Kress
- 1939 Unexpected Father: Department of Health Quarantine Man (uncredited)
- 1939 Second Fiddle: Studio Chief
- 1939 News Is Made At Night: District Attorney Rufe Reynolds
- 1939 They All Came Out: Psychiatrist
- 1939 Miracles For Sale: Fleetwood Apartments Desk Clerk (uncredited)
- 1939 Fifth Avenue Girl: Union Representative (uncredited)
- 1939 Golden Boy: Drake – Reporter
- 1939 Honeymoon In Bali: Photographer for Morrissey’s (uncredited)
- 1939 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: Nosey
- 1939 Television Spy: Mr. Adler
- 1939 Beware Spooks: Mr. Moore, Credit Man (uncredited)
- 1939 The Cat and the Canary: Reporter (uncredited)
- 1939 The Honeymoons Over: D.W. O’Connor (uncredited)
- 1939 Charlie Mc Carthy Detective: Charlie’s Doctor (uncredited)
- 1940 Parole Fixer: Florist’s Customer (uncredited)
- 1940 Johnny Apollo: Assistant District Attorney
- 1940 Its A Date: Mr. Horner (uncredited)
- 1940 Primrose Path: Mr. “Smitty” Smith / Hopkins (uncredited)
- 1940 Buck Benny Rides Again: Charlie Graham
- 1940 The Doctor Takes a Wife: Reporter (uncredited)
- 1940 The Crooked Road: Phil Wesner, Defense Attorney
- 1940 Edison The Man: Second Lecturer (uncredited)
- 1940 Alias The Deacon: Supervisor (uncredited)
- 1940 On Their Own: Johnson
- 1940 You Cant Fool Your Wife: Salesman
- 1940 I Cant Give You Anything But Love Baby: Gannon (uncredited)
- 1940 Queen Of The Mob: Horace Grimley
- 1940 We Who Are Young: Perkins
- 1940 Rhythm On The River: Bernard Schwartz
- 1940 The Great Profile: Director
- 1940 The Leather Pushers: Henry “Mitch” Mitchell
- 1940 City For Conquest: Al – Dance Team Manager (uncredited)
- 1940 A Little Bit Of Heaven: Stafford (uncredited)
- 1940 Blondie Plays Cupid: Train Conductor (uncredited)
- 1940 Dancing On A Dime: Freeman Taylor
- 1940 Ellery Queen Master Detective: Dr. Prouty
- 1940 Texas Rangers Ride Again: Train Passenger (uncredited)
- 1940 The Invisible Woman: Mr. Growley
- 1941 Back Street: Blake (uncredited)
- 1941 Youre The One: Announcer
- 1941 Ellery Queens Penthouse Mystery: Doc Prouty
- 1941 Footlight Fever: Link – Insurance Agent (uncredited)
- 1941 Repent At Leisure: Clarance Morgan
- 1941 Barnacle Bill: Auctioneer (uncredited)
- 1941 Sis Hopkins: Rollo
- 1941 Blondie In Society: Washing Machine Salesman (uncredited)
- 1941 The Big Store: Finance Company Mna (uncredited)
- 1941 Ellery Queen And The Perfect Crime: Dr. Prouty
- 1941 Sing Another Chorus: Ryan
- 1941 Buy Me That Town: J. Montague Gainsborough
- 1941 Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: Man (uncredited)
- 1941 Three Girls About Town: Mortician (uncredited)
- 1941 Appointment For Love: Smith (uncredited)
- 1941 Birth Of The Blues: Wilbur – Theatre Manager (uncredited)
- 1941 I Wake Up Screaming: Keating
- 1941 New York Town: Census Taker (uncredited)
- 1941 The Great Mans Lady: Pierce (uncredited)
- 1941 Look Whos Laughing: Club Secretary (uncredited)
- 1941 Ball of Fire: Larsen
- 1942 Sealed Lips: Attorney Emanuel “Manny” T. Dixon
- 1942 A Gentleman At Heart: Holloway
- 1942 A Close Call For Ellery Queen: Coroner (uncredited)
- 1942 Obliging Young Lady: Private Detective Smith
- 1942 The Lady Is Willing: K. K. Miller
- 1942 Ride 'em Cowboy: Martin Manning (uncredited)
- 1942 Born To Sing: Johnny (uncredited)
- 1942 What's Cooking?: K. D. Reynolds
- 1942 The Adventures Of Martin Eden: Mr. White, Publisher (uncredited)
- 1942 Yokel Boy: Cynic (uncredited)
- 1942 Broadway: Hungry Harry (uncredited)
- 1942 Home In Wyomin: Newspaper Editor
- 1942 Sunday Punch: Ringside Spectator at Ole’s First Fight (uncredited)
- 1942 The Mad Martindales: Virgil Hickling
- 1942 Tarzans New York Adventure: Gould Beaton
- 1942 They All Kissed The Bride: Spotter (uncredited)
- 1942 Are Husbands Necessary: Mr. Brooks
- 1942 Lady In A Jam: Government Man
- 1942 Thru Different Eyes: Mott
- 1942 Friendly Enemies: Braun
- 1942 Pardon My Sarong: Bus Company Superintendent (uncredited)
- 1942 Flying Tigers: Repkin (uncredited)
- 1943 Mission to Moscow: Man in Kitchenin Montage (uncredited)
- 1944 Arsenic and Old Lace: Reporter
- 1946 A Close Call For Boston Blackie: Hack Hagen (uncredited)
- 1946 Just Before Dawn: Dr. Steiner
- 1946 Mysterious Intruder: Detective Burns
- 1946 The Invisible Informer: Nick Steele
- 1946 Swell Guy: Ben Tilwell (uncredited)
- 1946 It's a Wonderful Life: Real Estate Salesman
- 1946 The Show Off: Quiz-Master (uncredited)
- 1947 The Farmers Daughter: Jackson
- 1947 It Happened on Fifth Avenue: Landlord (uncredited)
- 1947 Living In A Big Way: Hawkins (uncredited)
- 1947 Intrigue: Hotel Desk Clerk
- 1947 Bury Me Dead: Mr. Brighton (uncredited)
- 1947 Louisiana: McCormack
- 1947 Roses Are Red: Lipton
- 1948 Call Northside 777: Prosecuting Attorney (uncredited)
- 1948 State of the Union: Blink Moran
- 1948 Smart Woman: Reporter (uncredited)
- 1948 Race Street: Switchboard Operator / Clerk (uncredited)
- 1948 The Gentleman From Nowhere: Fenmore
- 1948 Moonrise: Mr. Chandler – Man in Black
- 1948 Out Of The Storm: Mr. Evans
- 1948 Appointment For Peggy: Prof. Collins (uncredited)
- 1948 The Boy With The Green Hair: Passerby (uncredited)
- 1949 Mother Is A Freshman: Mr. De Haven (uncredited)
- 1949 Youre My Everything: Mr. Eddie Pflum (uncredited)
- 1949 Mighty Joe Young: Producer (uncredited)
- 1949 The House Across The Street: Apartment Manager (uncredited)
- 1949 Miss Grant Takes Richmond: Mr. Woodruff (uncredited)
- 1949 Backfire: Dr. Nolan (uncredited)
- 1950 Borderline: Peterson – U.S. Customs Man (uncredited)
- 1950 The Yellow Cab Man: L.A. Casualty Co. Executive (uncredited)
- 1950 Riding High: Erickson
- 1950 Love That Brute: Joe Evans – Cigar Store Manager (uncredited)
- 1950 Rookie Fireman: Loan Officer (uncredited)
- 1950 The Second Face: Mr. West – Insurance Claims Adjustor
- 1950 For Heaven's Sake: Arthur Crane (IRS) (uncredited)
- 1950 The Du Pont Story: Lammot Du Pont
- 1951 I Can Get It For You Wholesale: Herman Pulvermacher (uncredited)
- 1951 Criminal Lawyer: Frederick Waterman (uncredited)
- 1951 Here Comes The Groom: FBI Agent Ralph Burchard (uncredited)
- 1952 The Sniper: Drunk in Bar (uncredited)
- 1952 Three For Bedroom C: Trainman (uncredited)
- 1953 The Juggler: Rosenberg
- 1953 Remains To Be Seen: Derlapp – Examiner
- 1953 The Affairs Of Dobie Gillis: Chemistry Professor Obispo
- 1955 Kiss Me Deadly: Doctor (uncredited)
- 1956 The Birds And The Bees: Charlie Jenkins – Bartender
- 1957 Top Secret Affair: Bill Hadley
- 1957 God Is My Partner: Judge Warner
- 1958 Teachers Pet: Roy
- 1959 The Mating Game: Inspector General Bigelow
- 1959 The 30 Foot Bride Of Candy Rock: Stanford Bates
- 1959 But Not For Me: Al Atwood
- 1962 The Music Man: Constable Locke
- 1963 Papas Delicate Condition: Mr. Cosgrove
- 1963 It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World: Airport Manager
- 1963 The Wheeler Dealers: Judge (uncredited)
- 1964 The Carpetbaggers: Denby
- 1964 The New Interns: Connors
- 1964 Good Neighbor Sam: Jack Bailey
- 1965 John Goldfarb Please Come Home: “Strife” Magazine Editor
- 1965 Billie: Coach Jones
- 1966 The Ghost and Mr. Chicken: Lawyer Whitlow
- 1966 The Ugly Dachshund: Judge
- 1967 Eight On The Lam: Bank Examiner (uncredited)
- 1967 The Gnome Mobile: Dr. Scoggins
- 1968 Whats So Bad About Feeling Good: Dr. Shapiro
- 1968 Did You Hear The One About The Traveling Saleslady: Mr. Duckworth
- 1970 The Aristocats: Georges Hautecort
- 1971 Hitched: Round Tree (Made-for-TV Movie)
- 1972 Get To Know Your Rabbit: Mr. Beeman
- 1972 The Great Mans Whiskers: Philbrick (TV Movie)
- 1978 Movie Movie: Judge/Mr. Pennington
- 1979 The Little Dragons: J. J.
- 1981 The Return Of The Beverly Hillbillies: Chief (TV Movie)
- 1981 Strange Behavior: Donovan
- 1983 Strange Invaders: Professor Hollister
- 1983 Sunset Limousine: Reinhammer (TV Movie)
- 1984 Murphys Romance: Amos Abbott
- 1986 When the Bough Breaks: Van der Graaf
- 1986 Vanishing America: Shopkeeper
- 1987 Date with an Angel: Father O’Shea
- 1993 Acting On Impulse: Bellhop
- 1995 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes: Regent Yarborough (TV Movie)
Short film roles
- 1934 The Policy Girl: Audience Member (uncredited)
- 1934 Smoked Hams: Man in Audience
- 1942 About Face: Garage Manager
- 1959 Front Page Bible: Mike Stacey
- 2015note The Night Before Christmas: Narrator
Television roles
- 1952–53 The Burns and Allen Show: Joe Crawford/Arthur Stebbins/Mr. Fitzpatrick (3 episodes)
- 1953–56 I Love Lucy: Mr. Stanley/Casting Director/Mr. Hickox/Passport Office Clerk (4 episodes)
- 1954 Topper: Mr. Kittler (1 episode)
- 1954 Willy: Willy’s Boss (1 episode)
- 1954–55 Dear Phoebe: G. R. Fosdick (16 episodes)
- 1955 Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre: Henry (1 episode)
- 1955 Screen Directors Playhouse: Joseph P. Garrity (1 episode)
- 1957 Lux Video Theatre: Walter Medford (1 episode)
- 1957 Studio 57: Henry (1 episode)
- 1957 The Peoples Choice: Manager (1 episode)
- 1957 The Joseph Cotten Show On Trial: Grayson (1 episode)
- 1957 Telephone Time: Josiah (1 episode)
- 1957 The Thin Man: Harry Gordon (1 episode)
- 1957–59 The Gale Storm Show Oh Susannah: Pierce (2 episodes)
- 1957–63 The Real Mc Coys: Harry Poulson/Mr. Leland/Man (4 episodes)
- 1958 The Restless Gun: Mayor Peter Mercer (1 episode)
- 1958 The Bob Cummings Show: S. J. Jollisson (1 episode)
- 1958 The Lineup: Gallagher (1 episode)
- 1958 Perry Mason: Dr. Williams (1 episode)
- 1958 Richard Diamond Private Detective: Lt. Kevin Anders (1 episode)
- 1958 The Lucy Desi Comedy Hour: Claims Clerk/Customs Officer (2 episodes)
- 1958 The Millionaire: Simon Whipple (1 episode)
- 1958 How To Marry A Millionaire: Emil Quincy/Mr. Parkhurst (2 episodes)
- 1958 The Gray Ghost: Hall (1 episode)
- 1959 The Ann Sothern Show: Cameron (1 episode)
- 1959 Whirlybirds: Larkin (1 episode)
- 1959 Fibber Mc Gee And Molly: Bill Gordon (1 episode)
- 1959 Goodyear Theatre: Adam (1 episode)
- 1959 Grand Jury: George Presby (1 episode)
- 1959–63 The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis: Zoology Teacher/Chester L. Wayzack, Esq./Prof. McGuffy/Charlie Wayzack/P.T. Atwater (6 episodes)
- 1960 Bachelor Father: Mr. Pettigrew (1 episode)
- 1960 The Twilight Zone (1959): Mr. Peckinpaugh (1 episode)
- 1960 The Jim Backus Show: Alfred (1 episode)
- 1960–62 Dennis the Menace: Lawrence Finch (6 episodes)
- 1961 The Untouchables: Alcatraz Official (1 episode)
- 1961 The Du Pont Show With June Allyson: Dr. Shelley (1 episode)
- 1961 Guestward Ho: Mr. Langdon (1 episode)
- 1961 The Tab Hunter Show: Dr. Spike (1 episode)
- 1961–62 Pete And Gladys: Mr. Vincent/Slater (2 episodes)
- 1961–62 Surfside 6: Joseph Cooper/Cyrus Radford (2 episodes)
- 1962 Hawaiian Eye: Crosby Page (1 episode)
- 1962 Maverick: Proprietor (1 episode)
- 1962 Lawman: Morris Weeks (1 episode)
- 1962 The Comedy Spot: Mr. Martin (1 episode)
- 1962 Mister Ed: Charley Foster (1 episode)
- 1962 Mc Keever And The Colonel: Mayor (1 episode)
- 1962 The Lucy Show: Mr. Barnsdahl (4 episodes)
- 1962 Saints And Sinners: Faye (1 episode)
- 1963 77 Sunset Strip: Henry Distal (1 episode)
- 1963 Mr Smith Goes To Washington: Caleb (1 episode)
- 1963 Burke's Law: Dr. Lusk (1 episode)
- 1963–64 The Bill Dana Show: Mr. Hanley/Doctor (2 episodes)
- 1963–68 Petticoat Junction: Homer Bedloe (24 episodes)
- 1964–71 The Beverly Hillbillies: Billy Hacker/Homer Bedloe/Foster Phinney (7 episodes)
- 1964 The Andy Griffith Show: Mr. Frisby (1 episode)
- 1964 Temple Houston: Amos Riggs (1 episode)
- 1964 The Joey Bishop Show: Mr. Cosgrove (1 episode)
- 1964–67 Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.: General Richards/Charlie (2 episodes)
- 1965 Wendy And Me: Mr. Benson (1 episode)
- 1965 Kentucky Jones: Doc Axby (1 episode)
- 1965 The Cara Williams Show: McAvie (1 episode)
- 1965 My Brother The Angel: Wiggins (1 episode)
- 1965 The Farmer's Daughter: Clerk (1 episode)
- 1965 The Donna Reed Show: Mr. Samson (1 episode)
- 1965 Get Smart: Uncle Abner (1 episode)
- 1965–72 Bewitched: Ed Hotchkiss/Jessie Mortimer/Shotwell/George Meiklejohn/Mr. Harmon/Harold Jameson/Mr. Cushman/Mr. Roland (8 episodes)
- 1966 Please Dont Eat The Daisies: Man (1 episode)
- 1966 Honey West: Ash (1 episode)
- 1966 The Munsters: Mr. Holmes (1 episode)
- 1966 Love On A Rooftop: Bert Bennington (1 episode)
- 1966 F Troop: Mr. S. A. MacGuire (1 episode)
- 1966 The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: Ralph Harrison (1 episode)
- 1966 Bob Hope Presents The Chrysler Theatre: Charles Eckhardt (1 episode)
- 1966–67 The Phyllis Diller Show: Maxwell (6 episodes)
- 1967 He And She: Mr. Simpson (1 episode)
- 1967 The Wild Wild West: Roger Creed (1 episode)
- 1968 Judd For The Defense: Bridgeman (1 episode)
- 1968 Green Acres: Mr. Wilson (1 episode)
- 1968 The New Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn: Mountain Lion (1 episode)
- 1969 The Flying Nun: Mr. O’Reilly (1 episode)
- 1969 The Magical World of Disney: Mr. Pfeiffer (2 episodes)
- 1970 The Debbie Reynolds Show: Mr. Samson (1 episode)
- 1970 The Doris Day Show: Judge Carter (1 episode)
- 1970–71 Nanny and the Professor: Driving Inspector/Ticket Seller (2 episodes)
- 1972 The New Temperatures Rising Show: Fulton Briggs (1 episode)
- 1972 The Sandy Duncan Show: Judge (1 episode)
- 1973 The Odd Couple (1970): Sid (1 episode)
- 1973 The Girl With Something Extra: Segram (1 episode)
- 1973 Adams Rib: Mayor (1 episode)
- 1973 The Rookies: Dealer (1 episode)
- 1974 Medical Center: Dr. Kelford (1 episode)
- 1974 Rhoda: Mr. Fosner (1 episode)
- 1975 Karen: Dale Busch (9 episodes)
- 1975 The Family Holvak: Deacon Hurd (1 episode)
- 1976 Family: James Lawrence (1 episode)
- 1976 Sybil: Dr. Quinones (2 episodes)
- 1976 Chico and the Man: Fred Cripps (1 episode)
- 1977 Maude: Doc Pritchard (1 episode)
- 1978 Soap: Judge Anthony Petrillo (7 episodes)
- 1978 ABC Weekend Specials: Walter Becker (1 episode)
- 1979–81 Lou Grant: Mort Farber/Rupert Hume (2 episodes)
- 1980 Mork & Mindy: Judge Baker (1 episode)
- 1982 Little House on the Prairie: Jess Moffet (1 episode)
- 1983 The Winds Of War: Adm. William Standley (1 episode)
- Reprised role in 1 episode of War And Remembrance (1988)
- 1985 Otherworld: Mr. Velcrows Widley (1 episode)
- 1985 Comedy Factory: George McCloskey (1 episode)
- 1987 Hunter: Motel Owner (1 episode)
- 1987 St. Elsewhere: Richard Welte (1 episode)
- 1987–88 The New Leave It To Beaver: Mr. Strawn (2 episodes)
- 1989 L.A. Law: Walter Graf (1 episode)
- 1991 Dark Shadows: Antique Dealer (1 episode)
- 1991 Shannons Deal: Old Man (1 episode)
