Biography of Earl Compton:
Earl Compton, a renowned American supporting actor, first appeared on screen in 1954. Born to a chemist, he was raised in Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong foundation for his future endeavors. During World War II, Compton saw action in France with the 103rd Infantry Division, showcasing his bravery and resilience.
After demobilization, Compton pursued his passion for acting by studying at Swarthmore College and later at Yale Drama School, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree alongside future Hollywood star Paul Newman. His early career consisted of TV commercials for cheese crackers, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
In 1957, Compton relocated to Los Angeles, where he began acting in serial television, often typecast as uniformed army types. One of his most notable roles was as Lt. Col. Edward Gray, the base commander, in the popular television series Gomer Pyle: USMC, appearing in 41 episodes. He also played Capt. Chester Albertson in the season two opener of The Invaders and essayed various German officers in the spoof Hogan's Heroes.
In 1971, Compton found a regular niche on daytime television as the central protagonist in the long-running soap The Edge of Night, where he portrayed crime-fighting district attorney Mike Karr for 13 years and 430 episodes, becoming the third actor to take on the role.
After a successful career spanning over five decades, Compton retired in 2002 and moved to Shelter Island, New York, where he spent his later years. Sadly, he passed away on April 4, 2020, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of his work in the entertainment industry.
