Maurice Lionel Gosfield, a distinguished thespian, took his first breath on January 28, 1913, in the vibrant city of New York, yet his formative years were spent in the culturally rich environments of Philadelphia and Evanston, Illinois.
Gosfield, a talented thespian, made his Broadway debut in the year 1937, taking on the role of Manero in the esteemed theatrical production of Siege, marking the beginning of a distinguished career on the Great White Way.
He went on to captivate audiences with his performances in a plethora of notable stage productions, showcasing his remarkable range and versatility as an actor. Among his most notable credits were the critically acclaimed plays The Petrified Forest, Three Men on a Horse, and Room Service, each showcasing his remarkable ability to bring characters to life with his nuanced and captivating portrayal.
From 1939 to 1945, the tumultuous era of World War II, a significant chapter in global history, Gosfield embarked on a remarkable journey by enlisting in the United States Army, where he would serve with distinction as a Technical Sergeant, denoted by the rank of Tech 4, within the illustrious 8th Armored Division, a prestigious unit renowned for its bravery and tactical prowess.
Nat Hiken, the ingenious creator of The Phil Silvers Show, initially titled You'll Never Get Rich during its inaugural season, would later recall the audition process that led to the casting of a then-unknown actor, Charles 'Buddy' Gosfield, in the pivotal role of Pvt. Duane Doberman.
From 1955 to 1959, Gosfield brought to life the endearing yet hapless character of Pvt. Duane Doberman, a persona that would become an integral part of the show's enduring charm. Despite his unconventional appearance and a less-than-stellar résumé at the time, Gosfield's audition left a lasting impression on Hiken, who saw beyond the actor's surface-level characteristics and recognized his potential to bring a unique brand of humor to the role.
As a result, Gosfield was swiftly cast as the show's most lovable and pitiful member, a decision that would ultimately prove to be a masterstroke, as his portrayal of Pvt. Doberman continues to delight audiences to this day.
Noted actor, Gosfield, received a prestigious nomination for his outstanding supporting role in a comedy television series at the esteemed Primetime Emmy Awards in 1959.
The untimely demise of Gosfield's life was a poignant and sorrowful event, as he met his untimely end on October 19, 1964, when a sudden and devastating heart attack took his life at the prematurely young age of 51.
