John
Forsythe was born Jacob Lincoln Freund in Penns Grove, New Jersey, the son of Blanche Materson (Blohm) and Samuel Jeremiah Freund, a successful Wall Street businessman. Despite his father's objections, John chose to pursue a career in acting, which was a bold and unconventional decision at the time.
Before signing a movie contract with Warner Bros., John gained some valuable experience in radio soaps and on Broadway, honing his craft and building his confidence as a performer. However, his early career was abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of World War II.
During the war, John enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he appeared in the Air Corps show "Winged Victory". This experience not only served as a significant milestone in his life but also gave him a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the importance of perseverance and dedication.
After the war, John played a crucial role in the establishment of the Actors Studio, a prestigious institution that has been instrumental in shaping the careers of countless talented actors and actresses. Throughout his long and distinguished career, John has had the most success on television, with notable runs on popular shows such as "Bachelor Father" (1957),"Dynasty" (1981),and as the unseen voice of Charlie Townsend on "Charlie's Angels" (1976).
John Forsythe's remarkable life came to a close at the age of 92, due to complications from pneumonia, on April 1, 2010, in Santa Ynez, California.