Ken Berry


Actor

About

Also Known As
Kenneth Ronald Berry
Born
November 03, 1933
Died
December 01, 2018

Biography

American actor and dancer Ken Berry used his wholesome looks to carve out a lasting place in pop culture with his roles in the sitcoms "F Troop" (ABC, 1965-67) and "Mama's Family" (NBC/Syndicated, 1983-90). A native of Moline, Illinois, he began taking tap dance lessons as a teenager, and toured with a big band show. Later, he served in the Army alongside actor Leonard Nimoy, who helped ...

Photos & Videos

Herbie Rides Again - Pressbook
Herbie Rides Again - Movie Poster

Biography

American actor and dancer Ken Berry used his wholesome looks to carve out a lasting place in pop culture with his roles in the sitcoms "F Troop" (ABC, 1965-67) and "Mama's Family" (NBC/Syndicated, 1983-90). A native of Moline, Illinois, he began taking tap dance lessons as a teenager, and toured with a big band show. Later, he served in the Army alongside actor Leonard Nimoy, who helped him make contacts within the entertainment industry. After winning a military talent competition, he was invited to appear on Ed Sullivan's "The Toast of the Town" (CBS, 1948-55). Initially, he concentrated on stage performing, appearing on Broadway and as the opening act for Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. He made his television debut as a professional on "The Chevy Showroom" (ABC, 1957-60), before landing recurring roles on "The Ann Sothern Show" (CBS, 1958-61) and "Dr. Kildare" (NBC, 1961-66). In the mid-'60s he graduated to series lead with the role of Captain Wilton Parmenter on the Western comedy "F Troop." That character's good-natured earnestness would provide the template for most of Berry's remaining career. He replaced Andy Griffith when the star left his eponymous show, playing Sam Jones on the spinoff "Mayberry, RFD" (CBS, 1968-71). His background as a song-and-dance man made his a sought after guest on variety shows, most especially "The Carol Burnett Show" (CBS, 1967-1978). The actor also hosted his own short-lived variety show, "The Ken Berry 'Wow' Show" (CBS, 1972). Beyond variety, Berry also made frequent guest appearances on shows like "Love, American Style" (ABC, 1969-74) and "Fantasy Island" (ABC, 1978-84). On film, he appeared in the Disney films "Herbie Rides Again" (1974) and "The Cat from Outer Space" (1978). His time on Burnett's show proved fruitful later when he was cast as Vinton Harper on "Mama's Family." Based on a long-running sketch from "The Carol Burnett Show," the sitcom had Berry playing the son of Vicki Lawrence's acerbic "Mama" character. After the sitcom ended, the actor largely scaled back. He made a guest appearance on "The Golden Girls" (NBC, 1984-92) and his last on screen acting role was in the short-lived sitcom "Maggie Winters" (CBS, 1998-99). Berry passed away in Burbank, California on December 1, 2018 at the age of 85.

Life Events

1960

Made screen debut in "Harrigan and Sons"

1965

Starred in the Western-themed sitcom "F Troop"

1983

Joined the cast of "Mama's Family"

Photo Collections

Herbie Rides Again - Pressbook
Here is the original campaign book (pressbook) for Disney's Herbie Rides Again (1974). Pressbooks were sent to exhibitors and theater owners to aid them in publicizing the film's run in their theater.
Herbie Rides Again - Movie Poster
Here is the American one-sheet movie poster for Disney's Herbie Rides Aagain (1974). One-sheets measured 27x41 inches, and were the poster style most commonly used in theaters.

Bibliography