Victor French was born into a family with a rich history in the entertainment industry, as his father was a stuntman. French's early foray into acting began with a small, uncredited role in the classic television series "Lassie" in 1954. However, it wasn't until he started appearing in western films that he began to make a name for himself, often playing the role of the "bad guy" due to his rugged and gruff on-screen presence.
This persona, which had become synonymous with French's acting style, underwent a significant transformation when he landed the role of Isaiah Edwards in the beloved television series "Little House on the Prairie" in 1974. French's portrayal of the kind-hearted and gentle Isaiah Edwards showcased a softer side to his acting abilities, and he went on to become a fan favorite on the show.
In 1977, French left "Little House on the Prairie" to star in his own sitcom, "Carter Country," which ran for two seasons. After the show's conclusion, French reunited with his "Little House on the Prairie" co-star Michael Landon to star in the television series "Highway to Heaven" in 1984. French played the role of Mark Gordon in the show, which lasted until his death in 1989.
In addition to his work in television, French was also a respected theater actor and director. He co-founded the Company of Angels, a small theater company in Los Angeles, with fellow actor Leonard Nimoy. The company's limited seating arrangement of 99 seats served as a prototype for the Equity-Waiver code, which allowed for more experimental and avant-garde productions to be staged in Los Angeles.
After leaving the Company of Angels in the mid-1970s, French went on to teach acting privately, and his classes quickly became sought-after. He was known for his gentle and encouraging approach to teaching, and he only accepted students through referral only. French also directed numerous productions in Los Angeles, including a critically acclaimed production of "12 Angry Men," which earned him the Critics Circle Award.
In the 1980s, French made a conscious decision to move away from playing "bad guys" and instead focused on more nuanced and complex characters. Tragically, French passed away in 1989, just after finishing the final episode of "Highway to Heaven." Despite his untimely death, French left behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor, as well as a respected teacher and director.
