Actor. He was an American stage and screen actor. He brought laughter to countless audiences while playing various roles over the course of his career. Born John Benjamin Myhers, he had his stage debut at age 12 which followed with roles in the St. Paul Civic Opera while a at McPhail School of Music in St. Paul. During World War II, he served in the United States Military. After the war, he stayed in Italy for 11 years studying at the American Academy and earned a doctoral degree in literature from the University of Rome. On the stage, he performed leading roles in Broadway shows such as "Kiss Me Kate", "The Golden Fleecing" and "The Good Soup" and the role of Captain Von Trapp in the First National Touring Company of "The Sound of Music" in the early 1960s. Among his film roles were the 1967 film adaptation of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"; the 1972 role of Robert Livingston in "1776", in which he also played the role in the Broadway version; and a 1981 role in Mel Brooks' "History of the World, Part I" as the leader of the Roman Senate. He appeared in many classic TV series such as "Get Smart" and "Hogan's Heroes". Besides acting, he was a active in screenwriting and directing but to a lesser degree of success. His voice was that of Hector Heathcote in many animated cartoons. He married actress Joan Benedict in 1962 and remained married for the thirty years before his death. He died of pneumonia.
Actor. He was an American stage and screen actor. He brought laughter to countless audiences while playing various roles over the course of his career. Born John Benjamin Myhers, he had his stage debut at age 12 which followed with roles in the St. Paul Civic Opera while a at McPhail School of Music in St. Paul. During World War II, he served in the United States Military. After the war, he stayed in Italy for 11 years studying at the American Academy and earned a doctoral degree in literature from the University of Rome. On the stage, he performed leading roles in Broadway shows such as "Kiss Me Kate", "The Golden Fleecing" and "The Good Soup" and the role of Captain Von Trapp in the First National Touring Company of "The Sound of Music" in the early 1960s. Among his film roles were the 1967 film adaptation of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"; the 1972 role of Robert Livingston in "1776", in which he also played the role in the Broadway version; and a 1981 role in Mel Brooks' "History of the World, Part I" as the leader of the Roman Senate. He appeared in many classic TV series such as "Get Smart" and "Hogan's Heroes". Besides acting, he was a active in screenwriting and directing but to a lesser degree of success. His voice was that of Hector Heathcote in many animated cartoons. He married actress Joan Benedict in 1962 and remained married for the thirty years before his death. He died of pneumonia.
Bio by: AJ
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