John Crawford was a prolific and memorable character actor, known for his burly physique, handsome features, and rugged demeanor. Throughout a career spanning four decades, he appeared in over 200 movies and television shows, often embodying tough guys and villainous characters that left a lasting impression on audiences.
Born Cleve Richardson on September 13, 1920, in Colfax, Washington, Crawford’s path to Hollywood was not straightforward. He was studying at the University of Washington’s School of Drama when a Warner Bros. talent scout spotted him. Despite an unsuccessful screen test at Warner Bros., Crawford’s determination led him to RKO, where he started as a laborer. He then transitioned to set building at the Circle Theater in Los Angeles. It was here that his persistence paid off, convincing producers to give him acting roles in their stage productions.
This break on stage led to a contract with Columbia Pictures. During his time at Columbia, John Crawford initially took on supporting roles, frequently in Westerns, honing his craft and building his on-screen presence. As the 1950s progressed, Crawford began to secure more substantial roles. This period marked a turning point in his career as he landed parts in British productions such as The Silent Enemy (1958), The Key (1958), and Crack in the Mirror (1960). These films, shot in the UK, provided him with opportunities to showcase his talent to a wider audience and take on more complex characters.
Returning to the United States in the early 1960s, John Crawford embarked on a highly productive phase of his career, seamlessly moving between roles in both film and television until 1986. He became a familiar face on screens large and small, consistently delivering compelling performances.
While John Crawford’s filmography is extensive, some roles stand out as particularly memorable. Moviegoers of the 1970s might remember him as the unfortunate Chief Engineer Purser in the disaster classic The Poseidon Adventure (1972), a role that showcased his ability to portray authority and competence even in dire situations. In Gator (1976), he played the hearty Tom Iverson, and in The Enforcer (1976), the third installment of the Dirty Harry series starring Clint Eastwood, Crawford humorously portrayed the bumbling Mayor of San Francisco. His portrayal of the hard-nosed police chief Buzz Cavanaugh in Outlaw Blues (1977) and the amiable old miner Brian Deerling in the creature feature The Boogens (1981) further exemplify his range and ability to inhabit diverse character types.
Beyond film, John Crawford made significant contributions to television. He had recurring roles as Sheriff Ep Bridges in the beloved family drama The Waltons (1972) and as Captain Parks in Police Woman (1974), becoming a recognizable figure in households across America. His guest appearances spanned an impressive array of iconic TV series, including The Lone Ranger (1954), Adventures of Superman (1953), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1965), Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1960), The Untouchables (1959), Wagon Train (1960), The Fugitive (1964), Star Trek (1967), Lost in Space (1966), Bonanza (1961), Hogan’s Heroes (1966), Mission: Impossible (1967), Gunsmoke (1966), The Bionic Woman (1976), Dallas (1979), and Dynasty (1984). This extensive list underscores his versatility and consistent demand as a character actor.
John Crawford’s career in Hollywood was a testament to his dedication and talent. He passed away at the age of 90 on September 21, 2010, in Thousand Oaks, California, due to complications from a stroke. He is survived by his former wife Ann Wakefield, his four daughters, and two grandchildren. While often cast in supporting roles, John Crawford’s robust presence and reliable performances cemented his place as a respected and enduring figure in the landscape of film and television, leaving behind a rich legacy of work for audiences to discover and appreciate.
