Thayer David was born as David Thayer Hersey in Winchester, Massachusetts, to an upper-class family. He attended Harvard University, where he co-founded the Brattle Theatre Company in 1946. After graduating, he worked in theater, taking on character roles and developing a distinctive voice and characterization skills.
In the 1950s, David transitioned to television, appearing in numerous plays and dramas, including a revival of "The Relapse" on Broadway. He also began working in film, landing roles in "Baby Face Nelson" (1957) and "A Time to Love and a Time to Die" (1958).
The 1960s saw David focus primarily on television, with guest appearances on shows like "The Wild Wild West" and "Dark Shadows". He played seven characters on "Dark Shadows", including Professor T. Elliot Stokes, and reprised his role in the film "House of Dark Shadows" (1970).
David's commercial work, including voiceovers, became a significant part of his career, and he continued to appear in both film and television throughout the 1970s. Notable roles during this period included the crooked fight manager in "Rocky" (1976) and the villainous Dragon in "The Eiger Sanction" (1975).
In the late 1970s, David guest-starred on various TV shows and appeared in films, including the pilot for the TV series "Nero Wolfe". Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 51, likely due to complications from an advancing cancer.
Despite his untimely passing, Thayer David left a lasting legacy in the world of acting, with a filmography that includes many notable roles and a reputation for his dedication to his craft.