New York-born character actor Frank Emmons Overton was a perpetual serious-looking figure who made a lasting impact in numerous television shows of the 1950s and 1960s. His quietly authoritarian demeanor proved to be an ideal fit for portraying characters with badges or uniforms, showcasing his range in a variety of roles.
One of his most notable roles was as Sheriff Heck Tate in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird". Overton's authoritative presence was also evident in his portrayal of General Bogan in the 1964 episode "Fail Safe" and Major Harvey Stovall in the 1964 series "12 O'Clock High". The latter was his only recurring role on television, and he made the most of it, being prominently featured in several episodes.
Before his well-remembered role as Elias Sandoval in the 1967 "Star Trek" episode "This Side of Paradise", Overton had made notable appearances on two other science fiction series. He was twice featured on "The Twilight Zone" (1959),playing the father of advertising executive Martin Sloan in the episode "Walking Distance" and a sheriff in the episode "Mute".
In "Walking Distance", Overton played the father of a man who, unhappy with his life, has somehow time-traveled back to his hometown. The elder Sloan, having come to terms with the identity of the stranger, asks his son to leave, because there can only ever be "one summer per customer". In contrast, Overton's character on "Mute" was a sheriff devoid of compassion or understanding, a stark contrast to his character on "Walking Distance".
Overton also appeared as an unsympathetic physician in the 1967 episode "Genesis" of "The Invaders". His characterizations on stage largely paralleled those on screen, with notable performances in plays such as "Jacobowsky and the Colonel", "The Trip to Bountiful", and "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs", which he reprised for the 1960 film version.
Despite his impressive career, Frank Emmons Overton died of a heart attack in April 1967, at the young age of 49.
