Orville Sherman's life was deeply rooted in the American frontier, as his great-grandfather had purchased land in Oklahoma as far back as 1894. This early connection to the land may have instilled in him a natural aptitude for playing cowboys, a role he would frequently take on in numerous television episodes, predominantly Westerns.
Born in Oklahoma, Orville's early life was marked by a strong passion for the performing arts. He began tap dancing at the tender age of nine and eventually left home at 19 to pursue his career. Despite the brevity of his screen time, which can be measured in mere seconds, Orville was a skilled actor who left a lasting impression on those who worked with him.
According to the 1940 U.S. census, Orville was living as a boarder in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he listed his occupation as "actor, dancer, director". His dedication to his craft was unwavering, as he went on to serve in World War II, enlisting from Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he was working with a small theater troupe.
Following his military service, Orville continued to tread the boards, appearing on stage in New York and later traveling to England to star in a production of "Oklahoma", where he met his future wife, the talented actress Marcella Dodge. The couple tied the knot in 1948 and went on to make their way to California from New York City in 1956.
Orville's acting career continued to flourish, with appearances in both film and television episodes until his untimely death. However, his personal life was marked by tragedy, as he was unable to attend his father's funeral in 1959 due to his busy schedule. His first marriage ended in divorce in the 1960s, and he went on to wed Jean Reno, a woman eight years his senior, in 1973.
That same year, Orville added the occupation of minister to his repertoire, teaching speech at the Church of Religious Science in Downey, California. Despite his many accomplishments, Orville's life was ultimately cut short when he succumbed to prostate cancer in Los Angeles at the age of 68, leaving behind no known family, his marriage having long since ended.
