John Harvey (actor)

John Harvey (born John H. Harvey in Racine, Wisconsin, June 27, 1917; died November 21, 2010, Los Angeles, California) was an American character actor primarily known for his work in television and film, often portraying tough, no-nonsense characters, particularly police officers or detectives.

Harvey began his acting career in the late 1940s, making appearances in various television shows. He appeared in numerous popular television series throughout the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s, including "The Untouchables," "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive," "Mission: Impossible," "Columbo," "Kojak," "Starsky & Hutch," and "Hill Street Blues." His frequent presence in these iconic shows solidified his reputation as a reliable and recognizable character actor.

In film, Harvey's roles were often smaller but memorable. He appeared in films such as "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962), "Birdman of Alcatraz" (1962), and "The Outer Limits" (1963), which was the theatrical version of two episodes from the TV series of the same name.

While he never achieved leading man status, John Harvey's prolific career and consistent performances made him a valued and recognizable figure in American television and film for several decades. His ability to portray authority figures with conviction ensured his continued employment and cemented his place in the history of character actors.