John Dehner, a name synonymous with a remarkable stentorian baritone voice and a face that was instantly recognizable in Hollywood, carved out a distinguished career as a character actor. Born John Forkum in Staten Island, New York, his early life was anything but typical, shaped by the travels of his globe-trotting artist father. This unconventional upbringing saw him attend schools in France and Norway, experiences that gifted him fluency in four languages. Upon returning to the United States, he completed his high school education in New York and pursued his artistic inclinations further at the University of California, aiming for a diploma in art. However, fate, or perhaps the allure of the stage and screen, had other plans as the acting bug bit him unexpectedly, setting him on a different trajectory.
Alt text: A black and white publicity still showcasing John Dehner portraying Paladin in “Have Gun – Will Travel,” highlighting his distinctive features and the character’s iconic chess piece.
Driven by the need for work, Dehner made his way to California. Initially, he utilized his musical talents, working as a pianist and bandleader. A significant career shift occurred when he secured a position as an assistant animator at Disney Studios, earning $18 per week. During his time at Disney, Dehner contributed his artistic skills to several animated classics, including iconic sequences in Fantasia (1940) and Bambi (1942), along with working on beloved Donald Duck and Pluto cartoons. His association with Disney continued later in his career, as he returned to lend his voice as a narrator and even stepped in front of the camera as Viceroy Don Esteban in an episode of the television series Zorro (1957).
After his stint in animation and serving as a public relations officer in the army during World War II, Dehner returned to California and transitioned into radio broadcasting. He became a radio announcer and news editor for stations KMBC and KFWB, building an impressive portfolio in radio acting. His most memorable radio role was as Paladin in “Have Gun – Will Travel.” He also starred in other popular action-packed radio programs such as “Gunsmoke” and “Fort Laramie.” Interestingly, despite his radio success in westerns, Dehner declined numerous offers to portray Marshal Matt Dillon on television, wary of being pigeonholed in the western genre.
Alt text: John Dehner embodying a classic Western character in a still from Maverick (1958), emphasizing his strong presence and versatility in portraying diverse roles within the genre.
In the realm of film, starting from the mid-1940s, John Dehner gradually moved from minor roles to becoming a sought-after villain. He became known for portraying a variety of antagonists, including suave gamblers, corrupt bankers, con artists, and menacing gunslingers. Conversely, his commanding presence also made him an ideal choice for roles requiring authority, such as stern fathers, military officers, and law enforcement figures. Notably, Dehner received second billing in Einer muß dran glauben (1958), a Western film where he played Pat Garrett alongside Paul Newman’s Billy the Kid, showcasing his ability to hold his own alongside major stars.
On television, John Dehner consistently delivered memorable guest performances across a wide spectrum of classic shows. His extensive TV credits include appearances in Yancy Derringer (1958), Wells Fargo (1957), The Roaring 20s (1960), Maverick (1957), Bronco (1958), 77 Sunset Strip (1958), Wagon Train (1959), and The Doris Day Show (starting in 1968), where he had a recurring role as Doris’s editor, Cy Bennett, for two seasons. Dehner also showcased his comedic talent in Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1959), particularly in the episode “Mr. Garrity and the Graves” (1963). In this standout performance, he played the titular character, a con man in the late 1800s Arizona, highlighting his range beyond dramatic roles.
John Dehner, a prolific and respected character actor in Hollywood, passed away in Santa Barbara, California, on February 4th at the age of 76, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances across radio, film, and television.
