History Creator / DavidJanssen

Then, in the fall of 1963, David Janssen landed his most successful role. Producer Creator/QuinnMartin had inherited a story outline from fellow producer Roy Huggins. The outline as it was concerned a man who was falsely convicted of murder in the Old West and broke custody to prove his innocence. Huggins developed this idea during his short term as the head of 20th Century Fox Television, but abandoned it in a desk when he left Fox. It fell into the hands of Creator/{{ABC}}, who turned it over to Martin, who ran a fledgling production company financed by the network. Changing the setting from TheWildWest to ThePresentDay, the series debuted in September 1963, as ''Series/TheFugitive''. Janssen was cast in the lead role as Dr. Richard Kimble, who was falsely accused of the murder of his wife, convicted and sentenced to death. However, a train wreck en route to the death house freed him, and Kimble spent the next four years searching for the one-armed man he believed was the killer of his wife, pursued by the dogged Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). Janssen's performance netted him an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series, but he didn't win. The series, however, won for Best Dramatic Series at the 1965 Emmys.

!! Films featuring David Janssen with Wiki/TVTropes pages:

!! Television series featuring David Janssen with Wiki/TVTropes pages:

A big break in David's career came in 1957 when he was cast in the detective series ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective''. The series was based on a radio series that starred Dick Powell, on which Powell often crooned a song or two. Powell wanted to do a television series based on Diamond, but since he was 54 years old at the time, felt that a younger actor was needed. Janssen was cast without even a screen test (the producers screened some of his films instead). The series, produced by Powell's Creator/FourStarTelevision, ran for 3½ seasons, the first 2½ on Creator/{{CBS}} and the final season on Creator/{{NBC}}. While it was a serviceable action series, it is probably more remembered nowadays as Creator/MaryTylerMoore's first acting role (as Sam, the secretary at Diamond's answering service).

David Janssen (born David Harold Meyer; March 27, 1931 – February 13, 1980) was a popular movie and TV actor whose career ranged from the mid-1940s until his death.

He had much more success when he signed a contract with [[Creator/{{Universal}} Universal-International]] at the age of 20. However, the Army called him up, and Janssen served two years at Fort Ord in Northern UsefulNotes/{{California}}, and was discharged at the age of 23 with the rank of corporal.

David Janssen (born David Harold Meyer, March 27, 1931 in Naponee, Nebraska; died February 13, 1980 in Malibu, California) was a popular movie and TV actor whose career ranged from the mid-1940s until his death.

David was born to a banker and a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer. His mother encouraged his desire to be an actor, and in 1945, he made his movie debut in ''It's a Pleasure''. When he turned 18, he signed his first contract with Creator/TwentiethCenturyFox, only to be dropped because the studio didn't like his hairline and prominent ears.

During the run of ''Harry O'', Janssen once again attempted to boost his movie career, appearing in ''Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough'' and ''Film/TwoMinuteWarning''. However, when he was free of his series commitment, he went back into TV movies and mini-series once again, landing a prime part as the {{narrator}} of the hit mini-series ''Series/{{Centennial}}''. He continued with TV movies until his tragic passing on February 13, 1980, from a heart attack. Many of his fellow actors and friends opined that his workaholic lifestyle contributed to his early death. When he passed away, he had just started filming the TV movie ''Father Damian: The Leper Priest''. Ken Howard was brought in to replace him. The film featured a dedication to Janssen's memory.

His last TV movie, ''City on Fire'', aired a month after his death. Also after his death, the movie ''Film/{{Inchon}}'' was released. Janssen, like many of the other actors in the film, took the role to have the opportunity to work with Sir Creator/LaurenceOlivier. The film, financed by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, was a major bomb and is seen very little today. Janssen's part in the film was allegedly edited out in his memory, though a full cut with his part intact is in existence.

Then, in the fall of 1963, David Janssen landed his most successful role. Producer Quinn Martin had inherited a story outline from fellow producer Roy Huggins. The outline as it was concerned a man who was falsely convicted of murder in the Old West and broke custody to prove his innocence. Huggins developed this idea during his short term as the head of 20th Century Fox Television, but abandoned it in a desk when he left Fox. It fell into the hands of Creator/{{ABC}}, who turned it over to Martin, who ran a fledgling production company financed by the network. Changing the setting from TheWildWest to ThePresentDay, the series debuted in September 1963, as ''Series/TheFugitive''. Janssen was cast in the lead role as Dr. Richard Kimble, who was falsely accused of the murder of his wife, convicted and sentenced to death. However, a train wreck en route to the death house freed him, and Kimble spent the next four years searching for the one-armed man he believed was the killer of his wife, pursued by the dogged Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). Janssen's performance netted him an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series, but he didn't win. The series, however, won for Best Dramatic Series at the 1965 Emmys.

In 1960, David appeared in the film ''Hell to Eternity'', which netted him a Golden Globe as Best Promising Newcomer. With the Diamond series finished, Janssen decided to try his luck in films once again, but had no luck, most of the films being standard B-movie fare from Creator/AlliedArtists. His most successful film role during this period was a supporting role in a Creator/RockHudson/Creator/DorisDay film, ''My Six Loves''. He also made TV appearances during this time, on shows like ''Target! The Corruptors'', ''Naked City'' and ''Series/Route66''.

Then, in the fall of 1963, David Janssen landed his most successful role. Producer Quinn Martin had inherited a story outline from fellow producer Roy Huggins. The outline as it was concerned a man who was falsely convicted of murder in the Old West and broke custody to prove his innocence. Huggins developed this idea during his short term as the head of Creator/20th Century Fox Television, but abandoned it in a desk when he left Fox. It fell into the hands of Creator/{{ABC}}, who turned it over to Martin, who ran a fledgling production company financed by the network. Changing the setting from TheWildWest to ThePresentDay, the series debuted in September 1963, as ''Series/TheFugitive''. Janssen was cast in the lead role as Dr. Richard Kimble, who was falsely accused of the murder of his wife, convicted and sentenced to death. However, a train wreck en route to the death house freed him, and Kimble spent the next four years searching for the one-armed man he believed was the killer of his wife, pursued by the dogged Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). Janssen's performance netted him an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series, but he didn't win. The series, however, won for Best Dramatic Series at the 1965 Emmys.

* HeAlsoDid: Janssen co-wrote the theme for one of his TV-movies, ''A Sensitive, Passionate Man'', with singer/songwriter Carol Connors. Their relationship evolved from professional to romantic, but never got very far, as David was unable to get out of his marriage to wife Dani.
* {{Typecasting}}: Several of Janssen's post-Fugitive projects feature elements of his most famous role. To wit:
** The TV-movie ''Night Chase'' (1970) featured him as a killer on the run.

** The ''Harry O'' episode "APB: Harry Orwell", in which his character Harry Orwell is framed for murder and breaks police custody to prove his innocence.

David Janssen (born David Harold Meyer, March 27, 1931 in Naponee, NE; died February 13, 1980 in Malibu, CA) was a popular movie and TV actor whose career ranged from the mid-1940s until his death.

** His guest appearance on Series/{{Cannon}} in 1973, "He Who Digs a Grave", in which he played an accused wife-killer.
** The Harry O episode "APB: Harry Orwell", in which his character Harry Orwell is framed for murder and breaks police custody to prove his innocence.

* Typecasting: Several of Janssen's post-Fugitive projects feature elements of his most famous role. To wit:

His last TV movie, ''City on Fire'', aired a month after his death. Also after his death, the movie ''Film/{{Inchon}}'' was released. Janssen, like many of the other actors in the film, took the role to have the opportunity to work with Creator/SirLaurenceOlivier. The film, financed by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, was a major bomb and is seen very little today. Janssen's part in the film was allegedly edited out in his memory, though a full cut with his part intact is in existence.

In 1960, David appeared in the film ''Hell to Eternity'', which netted him a Golden Globe as Best Promising Newcomer. With the Diamond series finished, Janssen decided to try his luck in films once again, but had no luck, most of the films being standard B-movie fare from Creator/AlliedArtists. His most successful film role during this period was a supporting role in a Creator/RockHudson/Creator/Doris Day film, ''My Six Loves''. He also made TV appearances during this time, on shows like ''Target! The Corruptors'', ''Naked City'' and ''Series/Route66''.

Then, in the fall of 1963, David Janssen landed his most successful role. Producer Quinn Martin had inherited a story outline from fellow producer Roy Huggins. The outline as it was concerned a man who was falsely convicted of murder in the Old West and broke custody to prove his innocence. Huggins developed this idea during his short term as the head of Creator/20th Century Fox Television, but abandoned it in a desk when he left Fox. It fell into the hands of Creator/{{ABC}}, who turned it over to Martin, who ran a fledgling production company financed by the network. Changing the setting from the Old West to modern times, the series debuted in September 1963, as ''Series/TheFugitive''. Janssen was cast in the lead role as Dr. Richard Kimble, who was falsely accused of the murder of his wife, convicted and sentenced to death. However, a train wreck en route to the death house freed him, and Kimble spent the next four years searching for the one-armed man he believed was the killer of his wife, pursued by the dogged Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). Janssen's performance netted him an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series, but he didn't win. The series, however, won for Best Dramatic Series at the 1965 Emmys.

In 1966, Janssen decided that the upcoming season of ''The Fugitive'' would be its last, as he was tired of playing the part. He had appeared in almost every scene of the series and was tired of the grind. A two-part episode was made to give the series a proper wrap-up. Titled "The Judgement", it ran for two weeks in August 1967, and garnered record-breaking ratings that were later surpassed by ''Series/{{Dallas}}'' and the resolution of the 'Who shot J.R.?' storyline.

His movie career floundering, Janssen returned to the small screen once again, with the 1970 TV movie ''Night Chase''. This movie found him in somewhat familiar territory, as a man who kills his wife's lover and forces a cabbie (Yaphet Kotto) at gunpoint to take him to Mexico. A few months later, he starred in another TV-movie, ''Operation: Cobra'', for Creator/JackWebb, in which he played a Treasury agent. That movie led to the series ''O'Hara: United States Treasury'', which debuted on CBS in the fall of 197l. The series, co-produced by Webb's Mark VII Productions, David Janssen Enterprises and Creator/{{Universal}} Television, lasted one season. It was alleged that Webb, concerned about David's drinking, hired a sober companion to see that the actor showed up to the set on time and ready to work. However, many of Janssen's fellow actors, including his close friend and ''Fugitive'' co-star Barry Morse, insisted that his drinking was never a problem and that he was never less than courteous and professional on the set.

In 1960, David appeared in the film ''Hell to Eternity'', which netted him a Golden Globe as Best Promising Newcomer. With the Diamond series finished, Janssen decided to try his luck in films once again, but had no luck, most of the films being standard B-movie fare from Allied Artists. His most successful film role during this period was a supporting role in a Rock Hudson/Doris Day film, ''My Six Loves''. He also made TV appearances during this time, on shows like ''Target! The Corruptors'', ''Naked City'' and ''Series/Route66''.

During the run of ''Harry O'', Janssen once again attempted to boost his movie career, appearing in ''Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough'' and ''Film/TwoMinuteWarning''. However, when he was free of his series commitment, he went back into TV movies and mini-series once again, landing a prime part as the narrator of the hit mini-series ''Centennial''. He continued with TV movies until his tragic passing on February 13, 1980, from a heart attack. Many of his fellow actors and friends opined that his workaholic lifestyle contributed to his early death. When he passed away, he had just started filming the TV movie ''Father Damian: The Leper Priest''. Ken Howard was brought in to replace him. The film featured a dedication to Janssen's memory.

His last TV movie, ''City on Fire'', aired a month after his death. Also after his death, the movie ''Film/{{Inchon}}'' was released. Janssen, like many of the other actors in the film, took the role to have the opportunity to work with Sir Laurence Olivier. The film, financed by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, was a major bomb and is seen very little today. Janssen's part in the film was allegedly edited out in his memory, though a full cut with his part intact is in existence.

He had much more success when he signed a contract with Universal-International at the age of 20. However, the Army called him up, and Janssen served two years at Fort Ord in Northern California, and was discharged at the age of 23 with the rank of corporal.

At U-I, he made some 33 films from 1952 to 1956, but nothing really memorable. Most of the films he did were standard B-movie fare, like Francis, the Talking Mule films. His contract with U-I finished, Janssen moved over to Creator/WarnerBros for two films.

His movie career floundering, Janssen returned to the small screen once again, with the 1970 TV movie ''Night Chase''. This movie found him in somewhat familiar territory, as a man who kills his wife's lover and forces a cabbie (Yaphet Kotto) at gunpoint to take him to Mexico. A few months later, he starred in another TV-movie, ''Operation: Cobra'', for Creator/JackWebb, in which he played a Treasury agent. That movie led to the series ''O'Hara: United States Treasury'', which debuted on CBS in the fall of 197l. The series, co-produced by Webb's Mark VII Productions, David Janssen Enterprises and Creator/UniversalTelevision, lasted one season. It was alleged that Webb, concerned about David's drinking, hired a sober companion to see that the actor showed up to the set on time and ready to work. However, many of Janssen's fellow actors, including his close friend and ''Fugitive'' co-star Barry Morse, insisted that his drinking was never a problem and that he was never less than courteous and professional on the set.

During the run of ''Harry O'', Janssen once again attempted to boost his movie career, appearing in ''Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough'' and Film/''Two-Minute Warning''. However, when he was free of his series commitment, he went back into TV movies and mini-series once again, landing a prime part as the narrator of the hit mini-series ''Centennial''. He continued with TV movies until his tragic passing on February 13, 1980, from a heart attack. Many of his fellow actors and friends opined that his workaholic lifestyle contributed to his early death. When he passed away, he had just started filming the TV movie ''Father Damian: The Leper Priest''. Ken Howard was brought in to replace him. The film featured a dedication to Janssen's memory.

* Film/TheGreenBerets (as George Beckworth, 1968)
* Film/{{Marooned}} (as Ted Dougherty, 1969)
* Film/TwoMinuteWarning (as Steve, 1976)
* Film/{{Inchon}} (as David Feld, 1981)

* Series/Route66 (one episode as Karno Starling, 1962)
* Series/TheFugitive (120 episodes as Dr. Richard Kimble, 1963-1967)
* Series/RowanAndMartinsLaughIn (one episode as self, 1969)
* Series/{{Cannon}} (one episode as Ian Kirk, 1973)
* Series/HarryO (44 episodes as Harry Orwell, 1974-1976)

Then, in the fall of 1963, David Janssen landed his most successful role. Producer Quinn Martin had inherited a story outline from fellow producer Roy Huggins. The outline as it was concerned a man who was falsely convicted of murder in the Old West and broke custody to prove his innocence. Huggins developed this idea during his short term as the head of 20th Century Fox Television, but abandoned it in a desk when he left Fox. It fell into the hands of Creator/{{ABC}}, who turned it over to Martin, who ran a fledgling production company financed by the network. Changing the setting from the Old West to modern times, the series debuted in September 1963, as ''Series/TheFugitive''. Janssen was cast in the lead role as Dr. Richard Kimble, who was falsely accused of the murder of his wife, convicted and sentenced to death. However, a train wreck en route to the death house freed him, and Kimble spent the next four years searching for the one-armed man he believed was the killer of his wife, pursued by the dogged Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). Janssen's performance netted him an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series, but he didn't win. The series, however, won for Best Dramatic Series at the 1965 Emmys.

During the run of ''Harry O'', Janssen once again attempted to boost his movie career, appearing in ''Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough'' and ''Two-Minute Warning''. However, when he was free of his series commitment, he went back into TV movies and mini-series once again, landing a prime part as the narrator of the hit mini-series ''Centennial''. He continued with TV movies until his tragic passing on February 13, 1980, from a heart attack. Many of his fellow actors and friends opined that his workaholic lifestyle contributed to his early death. When he passed away, he had just started filming the TV movie ''Father Damian: The Leper Priest''. Ken Howard was brought in to replace him. The film featured a dedication to Janssen's memory.

----

David Janssen (born David Harold Meyer, March 27, 1931 in Naponee, NE., died February 13, 1980 in Malibu, CA.) was a popular movie and TV actor whose career ranged from the mid-1940's until his death.

David was born to a banker and a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer. His mother encouraged his desire to be an actor, and in 1945, he made his movie debut in It's a Pleasure. When he turned 18, he signed his first contract with Creator/20th Century-Fox, only to be dropped because the studio didn't like his hairline and prominent ears.

He had much more success when he signed a contract with Universal-International at the age of 20. However, the Army called him up, and Janssen served two years at Fort Ord in Northern California, and was discharged at the age of 23 with the rank of Corporal.

At U-I, he made some 33 films from 1952 to 1956, but nothing really memorable. Most of the films he did were standard B-movie fare, like Francis, the Talking Mule films. His contract with U-I finished, Janssen moved over to Creator/Warner Bros. for two films.

A big break in David's career came in 1957 when he was cast in the detective series Richard Diamond, Private Detective. The series was based on a radio series that starred Dick Powell, on which Powell often crooned a song or two. Powell wanted to do a television series based on Diamond, but since he was 54 years old at the time, felt that a younger actor was needed. Janssen was cast without even a screen test (the producers screened some of his films instead). The series, produced by Powell's Creator/FourStarTelevision, ran for three and a half seasons, the first two and a half on Creator/CBS and the final season on Creator/NBC. While it was a serviceable action series, it is probably more remembered nowadays as Creator/MaryTylerMoore's first acting role (as Sam, the secretary at Diamond's answering service).

In 1960, David appeared in the film Hell to Eternity, which netted him a Golden Globe as Best Promising Newcomer. With the Diamond series finished, Janssen decided to try his luck in films once again, but had no luck, most of the films being standard B-movie fare from Allied Artists. His most successful film role during this period was a supporting role in a Rock Hudson/Doris Day film, My Six Loves. He also made TV appearances during this time, on shows like Target! The Corruptors, Naked City and Series/Route66.

Then, in the Fall of 1963, David Janssen landed his most successful role. Producer Quinn Martin had inherited a story outline from fellow producer Roy Huggins. The outline as it was concerned a man who was falsely convicted of murder in the Old West and broke custody to prove his innocence. Huggins developed this idea during his short term as the head of Creator/20thCenturyFox Television, but abandoned it in a desk when he left Fox. It fell into the hands of Creator/ABC, who turned it over to Martin, who ran a fledgling production company financed by the network. Changing the setting from the Old West to modern times, the series debuted in September, 1963, as Series/TheFugitive. Janssen was cast in the lead role as Dr. Richard Kimble, who was falsely accused of the murder of his wife, convicted and sentenced to death. However, a train wreck en route to the death house freed him, and Kimble spent the next four years searching for the one-armed man he believed was the killer of his wife, pursued by the dogged Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). Janssen's performance netted him an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series, but he didn't win. The series, however, won for Best Dramatic Series at the 1965 Emmies.

In 1966, Janssen made the decision that the upcoming season of Series/TheFugitive would be its last, as he was tired of playing the part. He had appeared in almost every scene of the series and was tired of the grind. A two-part episode was made to give the series a proper wrap-up. Entitled "The Judgement", it ran for two weeks in August of 1967, and garnered record-breaking ratings that were later broken by Series/{{Dallas}} and the resolution of the 'Who shot J.R.?' storyline.

With the series ended, Janssen once again concentrated on his movie career, but now on a much bigger scale. Sadly, the name David Janssen did not register with the box office, as he appeared in a number of flops in the late '60's. He fared much better with movies he had supporting roles in, like Film/TheGreenBerets and Film/{{Marooned}}.

His movie career floundering, Janssen returned to the small screen once again, with the 1970 TV-movie Night Chase. This movie found him in somewhat familiar territory, as a man who kills his wife's lover and forces a cabbie (Yaphet Kotto) at gunpoint to take him to Mexico. A few months later, he starred in another TV-movie, Operation: Cobra, for Creator/JackWebb, in which he played a Treasury agent. That movie led to the series, O'Hara: United States Treasury, which debuted on Creator/CBS in the Fall of 197l. The series, co-produced by Webb's Mark VII Productions, David Janssen Enterprises and Creator/Universal Television lasted one season. It was alleged that Webb, concerned about David's drinking, hired a sober companion to see that the actor showed up to the set on time and ready to work. However, many of Janssen's fellow actors, including his close friend and Fugitive co-star Barry Morse, insisted that his drinking was never a problem and that he was never less than courteous and professional on the set.

Putting the failure of O'Hara behind him, Janssen discovered a comfortable niche in TV-movies and did quite a few over the next couple of years. In 1973, he did a film entitled Harry O: Some Dust As Dreams Are Made On, in which he played a hard-luck private detective named Harry Orwell. A second film with the Orwell character was made, Smile, Jenny, You're Dead. The film proved successful enough that Creator/ABC gave the producer, Creator/WarnerBros. Television, the go-ahead for a series. Series/HarryO debuted in the Fall of 1974, to rave reviews from critics, but less-than-stellar ratings. However, the network stuck with the series, and the ratings improved. The series was in the Top 20 ratings-wise, but was still canceled when Fred Silverman took over as President of Creator/ABC. An upset Janssen vowed never to do another series.

During the run of Series/HarryO, Janssen once again attempted to boost his movie career, appearing in Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough and Two-Minute Warning. However, when he was free of his series commitment, he went back into TV movies and mini-series once again, landing a prime part as the narrator of the hit mini-series Centennial. He continued with TV movies until his tragic passing on February 13 of 1980 from a heart attack. Many of his fellow actors and friends opined that his workaholic lifestyle contributed to his early death. When he passed away, he had just started filming the TV-movie, Father Damian: The Leper Priest. Ken Howard was brought in to replace him. The film featured a dedication to his memory.

His last TV-movie, City On Fire, aired a month after his death. Also after his death, the movie Film/{{Inchon}} was released. David, like many of the other actors in the film, took the role to have the opportunity to work with Sir Laurence Olivier. The film, financed by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, was a major bomb and is seen very little today. Janssen's part in the film was allegedly edited out in his memory, though a full cut with his part intact is in existence.

David was born to a banker and a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer. His mother encouraged his desire to be an actor, and in 1945, he made his movie debut in It's a Pleasure. When he turned 18, he signed his first contract with 20th Century-Fox, only to be dropped because the studio didn't like his hairline and prominent ears.

At U-I, he made some 33 films from 1952 to 1956, but nothing really memorable. Most of the films he did were standard B-movie fare, like Francis, the Talking Mule films. His contract with U-I finished, Janssen moved over to Warner Bros. for two films.

In 1966, Janssen made the decision that the upcoming season of Series/TheFugitive would be its last, as he was tired of playing the part. He had appeared in almost every scene of the series and was tired of the grind. A two-part episode was made to give the series a proper wrap-up. Entitled "The Judgement", it ran for two weeks in August of 1967, and garnered record-breaking ratings that were later broken by Series/Dallas and the resolution of the 'Who shot J.R.?' storyline.

With the series ended, Janssen once again concentrated on his movie career, but now on a much bigger scale. Sadly, the name David Janssen did not register with the box office, as he appeared in a number of flops in the late '60's. He fared much better with movies he had supporting roles in, like Film/TheGreenBerets and Film/Marooned.

His last TV-movie, City On Fire, aired a month after his death. Also after his death, the movie Film/Inchon was released. David, like many of the other actors in the film, took the role to have the opportunity to work with Sir Laurence Olivier. The film, financed by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, was a major bomb and is seen very little today. Janssen's part in the film was allegedly edited out in his memory, though a full cut with his part intact is in existence.