John Ericson, born Joachim Alexander Ottokar Meibes on September 25, 1926, was a German-American actor and film and television star who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Trained at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Ericson began his career on the Broadway stage, taking on the lead role in Donald Bevan and Edmund Trzcinski's Stalag 17 in 1951. His impressive performance on stage soon led to a string of film appearances with MGM, starting with Teresa in 1951, directed by the renowned Fred Zinnemann.
Ericson's early film career was marked by a series of notable releases, including Rhapsody, The Student Prince, Green Fire, and Bad Day at Black Rock, all of which showcased his versatility and talent as an actor.
As the 1950s drew to a close, Ericson transitioned to television, where he would spend the next thirty years of his career. He appeared in a wide range of roles, including the lead in the CBS fantasy drama The Millionaire, alongside child actor Johnny Washbrook, and in the episode "Mutiny" of Appointment with Adventure, opposite Dorothy Malone.
Ericson's guest appearances on popular television shows were numerous, with notable roles in The Restless Gun, Target: The Corruptors!, and Honey West, where he co-starred with Anne Francis. He also appeared in several films, including Pretty Boy Floyd, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
Throughout his life, Ericson was married twice and had two children from his first marriage to Milly Coury. His legacy as a talented and enduring actor continues to be celebrated to this day.
Born: September 25, 1926
