American actor Brian Keith appeared in movies, TV shows, and plays. Later in his career, he received additional acclaim. Keith, who was born to actress parents, was exposed to performing from an early age. At the age of three, he made an appearance in a silent film.
He enlisted in the “United States Marine Corps,” where he served throughout World War II. After a short spell in the military, Keith went back to acting.
In television shows including “The Ford Television Theatre,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and “The Untouchables,” he made cameos.
Brian Keith’s Date of Birth and Parents
In Bayonne, New Jersey, on November 14, 1921, Robert Alba Keith became Brian Keith. Robert Keith, his father, was a well-known actor. Helena Shipman, his mother, was a gifted theatrical performer.
When Keith was a very small child, his parents separated. His father wed Peg Entwistle, a Broadway actress.
Brian Keith’s Education
Keith was raised by his grandmother on Long Island, New York. Keith used to go with his mother to see her performances in theaters when he was a kid.
At the age of three, Johnny made his acting debut in the movie Pied Piper Malone. He learned to read books from his grandma. For his early education, Keith attended the “East Rockaway High School.” He earned his diploma in 1939.
Brian Keith’s Wife
Brian Keith has three marriages. He wed Frances Helm in 1948. In 1954, the couple got a divorce. They didn’t have any kids. Judy Landon was the subject of his second union. They have five kids together.
Victoria Young, an actress, was the bride of his third marriage. Two kids were born to the couple.
Brian Keith’s Career
Brian Keith joined the “United States Marine Corps” in 1942. He fought as an air gunner in World War II. He was awarded an “Air Medal” for his wartime contributions. Keith ended his military career in 1945.
Keith started focusing on his acting career after leaving the “Marine Corps.” He appeared in various theatre productions. He had the lead role in the CBS television series “Suspense” in 1949.
He made three live television appearances in 1952’s science fiction series “Tales of Tomorrow” on the “ABC” network.
Keith played “Captain Bill North” in the American military film “Arrowhead” in 1953. Keith played evil or difficult roles in the early stages of his cinematic career. He played the robber “Brick” in the 1955 movie “5 Against the House.”
In the crime drama “Nightfall” from 1957, Keith plays yet another troubled individual.
Keith played Matt Anders, a free-lance writer, in the drama series Crusader in 1955. The “CBS” channel carried the broadcast. In various TV shows, including “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Zane Grey Theatre,” “The Americans,” and “Outlaws,” he had a guest part.
Keith played the title part in “The Westerner” in 1960. The channel ‘NBC’ carried it. He played ‘Dave Blassingame,’ a character with experience with firearms, in the television series.
This character had a reputation for being a drifter and cowboy who often engaged in criminal conduct. Despite the series’ brief run, Keith’s performance received favorable reviews.
Brain Keith made an appearance in 1961 playing a role that was very different from the ones he had played up to that point. He played Mitchell Evers, the father of identical twins, in the television series “The Parent Trap.” “Evers” and his spouse got a divorce.
The twins’ struggles to reconnect with their split-up parents are shown in the television series. Keith demonstrated that he could work in any genre by giving the role a good representation.
Brian Keith had a significant part in another movie in 1966. It was Bill Davis’s part in “Family Affair.” The “CBS” network broadcast the comedic show.
A bachelor named “Bill Davis” was forced to take care of his brother’s orphaned children. In spite of his initial fear, he eventually became used to his new existence.
The television program depicted the change from bachelor to family guy. Keith did a great job playing the role. He was nominated for an Emmy in the category of “Best Actor in a Comedy Series.” After the series, Brian Keith gained widespread recognition in the US.
Keith played a widower named “Jake Iverson” in the comedy film “With Six You Get Eggroll” in 1968. Keith appeared in the film with renowned actresses including Doris Day.
He appeared in the comedy “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming” that same year. He played the police head of the island where a Russian submarine was stuck in this.
Keith had the lead role in the NBC television comedy “The Brian Keith Show” in 1972. He represented Dr. Sean Jamison, a pediatrician who operated a clinic in Hawaii.
For two seasons, the television show was successful. In the movie “The Wind and the Lion” from 1975, he played “President Theodore Roosevelt.”
Keith featured a bad-temper retired judge in the 1983 production of “Hardcastle and McCormick.” His last motion picture appearance was in the 1997 movie “Rough Riders.”
Brian Keith’s Death
Brian Keith spent his last days with lung cancer. He committed himself on June 24, 1997, after shooting himself in the head. During this period, he reportedly struggled with depression and money issues. Brian Keith received a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame” in 2008.