Frank Overton (1918–1967) was an American character actor who appeared in numerous films, television programs, and stage productions during the mid-20th century. Born in Scarsdale, New York, he attended Bard College before beginning his professional acting career.
Overton is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Sheriff Heck Tate in the 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. His other film credits include The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960), Wild River (1960), and the Cold War thriller Fail Safe (1964), in which he played General Bogan.
In television, Overton was a frequent guest performer throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in episodes of various series, including The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, Perry Mason, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke. Science fiction audiences often recognize him for his role as Elias Sandoval, the leader of a colony, in the Star Trek episode "This Side of Paradise."
His stage work included several Broadway productions. Notably, he appeared in the original 1955 production of The Desperate Hours and the 1953 production of The Trip to Bountiful.
Overton died of a heart attack on April 24, 1967, in Pacific Palisades, California, at the age of 49.
