Frank Spencer Sutton was born in Clarksville, Tennessee in 1923, an only child with parents working for the local newspaper. When he was eight, the family moved to Nashville, where his father died of an intestinal ailment. Sutton's early interest in acting was sparked by his belonging to the drama club and appearing in high school plays. He majored in Dramatic Arts at Columbia University, graduating cum laude.
After gaining experience on the local stages, Sutton found a job as a radio announcer. Following World War II military service, he returned to acting and in the 1950s segued into TV, appearing on children's adventure series such as Captain Video and His Video Rangers and Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. Based in New York, Sutton also found work on soap operas The Edge of Night and The Secret Storm.
Sutton's imposing mug and hothead countenance proved suitable for playing both good guys and bad guys, making him a steady and reliable fixture in rugged surroundings. He appeared in numerous TV series, including Gunsmoke, Maverick, The Fugitive, Combat!, and The Untouchables, playing everything from a crass, outspoken blue-collar buddy to a menacing henchman.
Sutton's film appearances were sporadic, with only a few secondary roles offered. His best chances were in Four Boys and a Gun, Town Without Pity, and The Satan Bug. He was also seen in TV guest spots and performed in small-scale stock plays all over the US.
In the early 1970s, after the success of the "Gomer Pyle, USMC" series, Sutton was seen in TV guest spots while performing in small-scale stock plays. His stage work included comedic roles in "The Odd Couple," "Anything Goes," and "No Hard Feelings." Sutton died suddenly of a heart attack on June 28, 1974, while in rehearsals for a show at a Louisiana dinner theater. He was survived by his wife, daytime soap writer Toby Igler, and children Joseph and Amanda.
