John Robert Anderson, a seasoned character actor, boasted a striking appearance, with his silver hair, rugged features, and distinctive voice. He appeared in hundreds of films and television episodes, showcasing his incredible versatility.
Anderson's greatest strengths lay in his ability to immerse himself in the roles of historical figures. He portrayed Abraham Lincoln on three separate occasions and Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis twice, often drawing parallels between his own appearance and those of the individuals he portrayed.
He was a frequent presence in westerns and science-fiction serials, typically playing upstanding, dignified, and generally benevolent characters. One notable exception was his role as the Ebonite interrogator in the 1963 episode "Nightmare" of The Outer Limits.
Anderson held Rod Serling in high esteem and was proud to have been featured in four episodes of The Twilight Zone, including the memorable "A Passage for Trumpet" (1960),in which he played the tuxedo-clad angel Gabriel.
Born as 'J.R.', Anderson enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up on a small farm near Clayton, Illinois, and later in the mid-sized town of Quincy, where his mother operated a cigar stand. He excelled in various sports, served as a drum major, and was a member of the track team and the Boy Scouts.
During World War II, Anderson served in the Coast Guard, primarily focusing on protecting convoys from U-boat attacks. After the war, he attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a Master's degree in Drama.
Anderson's acting career began on the riverboat 'Goldenrod', followed by stints at the Cleveland Playhouse and the New York stage, where he appeared in prestigious productions such as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Home of the Brave". He also occasionally doubled as a singer on Broadway, starring in "Paint Your Wagon" (1951) and "The Emperor's Clothes" (1953).
As a television actor, Anderson was a staple during the medium's formative years, consistently delivering excellent performances across a wide range of roles. He appeared as western lawmen, cops, governors, judges, and army officers, including a recurring role as Virgil Earp in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955).
Anderson's film career was marked by standout performances, such as his portrayal of the furtive second-hand car dealer, 'California Charlie', in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960),the ruthless leader of the renegades, Addis, in Day of the Evil Gun (1968),and his reprisal of the role of Lincoln in The Lincoln Conspiracy (1977).
Throughout his career, Anderson remained one of the most accomplished all-rounders in the industry, eventually passing away at the age of 69 due to a heart attack at his home in Sherman Oaks in August 1992.
