John Vivyan, born John R. Vukayan on May 31, 1915, in Chicago, Illinois, to Serbian immigrant parents, embarked on a remarkable journey that would span decades. His early life took a dramatic turn when he served in the U.S. Army during the Guadalcanal campaign for the 132nd Infantry Regiment, Company "E" in World War II. Unfortunately, he suffered a leg wound during his time in service.
After the war, Vivyan utilized the GI Bill of Rights to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Art, where he would later change his last name to Vivyan. He began his career on stage in the late 1940s before transitioning to film and television roles.
Vivyan's first screen appearance was in the 1949 episode "Two Sharp Knives" on the anthology series Studio One. He went on to guest-star in a wide range of television series, primarily westerns, including Colt.45, Sugarfoot, Yancy Derringer, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, Tombstone Territory, Bat Masterson, Maverick, and many others.
However, Vivyan is perhaps best known for his starring role as the charming and honest gambler in the Blake Edwards series Mr. Lucky (1959-1960),alongside Ross Martin as Andamo. His work slowed significantly after 1970, with his final appearances being in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati (1982) and the detective series Simon & Simon (1983).
Tragically, Vivyan passed away on December 20, 1983, at the age of 68, in Santa Monica, California. He is interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
