by Vikram 15 September 2023, 09:22 inCelebs, Actor

John Forsythe: American actor who had a long and successful career in stage, film, and television.

John Forsythe was an American actor who had a long and successful career in stage, film, and television. He was best known for his roles as the single father Bentley Gregg in the sitcom Bachelor Father, the voice of the mysterious Charlie Townsend in the crime drama Charlie’s Angels, and the patriarch Blake Carrington in the soap opera Dynasty. He also appeared as a guest on several talk and variety shows and as a panelist on numerous game shows. He was a versatile performer who could handle comedy, drama, and romance with equal ease. He was also a producer, narrator, drama teacher, and philanthropist who supported various causes and charities.

In this article, we will provide some basic information about John Forsythe’s life and career in a table format. We will also include some sources where you can find more details about his achievements and legacy.

Field	Information
Full Name	John Lincoln Freund (changed to John Forsythe in 1943)
Profession	Actor, producer, narrator, drama teacher, philanthropist
Birthday	January 29, 1918
Birth Place	Penns Grove, New Jersey, USA
Birth Sign	Aquarius
Height	5’ 11″ (1.80 m)
Weight	Not known
Age	92 (at the time of his death)
Family Members	Spouses: Parker McCormick (1939-1943), Julie Warren (1943-1994), Nicole Carter (2002-2010) Children: Page, Brooke, and Dall Forsythe
Net Worth	$5 million (estimated)
Nationality	American
Movies	Some of his notable movies are: The Captive City (1952), It Happens Every Thursday (1953), The Trouble with Harry (1955), The Ambassador’s Daughter (1956), Madame X (1966), Scrooged (1988), And Justice for All (1979), In Cold Blood (1967), Topaz (1969), The Powers That Be (1992-1993)

Where was John Forsythe born?

John Forsythe was born on January 29, 1918, in Penns Grove, New Jersey, USA. He was the eldest of three children of Blanche Forsythe (née Blohm) and Samuel Jeremiah Freund, a stockbroker. His parents were of Jewish descent, with roots in Russia, Poland, and Prussia.

How was John Forsythe’s early life?

John Forsythe grew up in Brooklyn, New York, during the Great Depression of the 1930s. His father worked as a Wall Street businessman, but lost his job and savings in the stock market crash of 1929. John had a close relationship with his mother, who encouraged his interest in music and theater. He also developed a love for baseball and became the public address announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field when he was 18 years old.

Where did John Forsythe receive his education?

John Forsythe graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn at the age of 16. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied drama and graduated in 1940. He was influenced by the teachings of Constantin Stanislavski and Lee Strasberg, and became one of the founding members of the Actors Studio in New York City. He also took voice lessons to improve his diction .

What is distinctive feature of John Forsythe?

John Forsythe had a distinctive feature that made him stand out from other actors: his rich mellifluous voice with a Brooklyn accent. He used his voice to great effect in various roles, such as the single playboy father Bentley Gregg in the sitcom Bachelor Father, the mysterious millionaire Charles Townsend in the crime drama Charlie’s Angels, and the patriarch Blake Carrington in the soap opera Dynasty. He also narrated many documentaries, commercials, and awards shows.

How did John Forsythe begin his career?

John Forsythe began his acting career in films in 1943, after changing his name from John Lincoln Freund to John Forsythe at the suggestion of his agent. He signed a contract with Warner Bros. and appeared in minor roles in movies such as Destination Tokyo, Escape from Fort Bravo, and The Trouble with Harry. His film career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Army Air Corps and performed in the Air Corps show Winged Victory. After the war, he returned to films and also ventured into television and stage. He starred in several Broadway productions, such as Kiss Me, Kate and The Pajama Game. He also had his own radio show, The John Forsythe Show, and hosted several TV shows, such as World of Survival and The John Forsythe Show. He achieved fame and success with his roles in Bachelor Father, Charlie’s Angels, and Dynasty, for which he won several awards and nominations. He also reprised his role as Charles Townsend in the film adaptations of Charlie’s Angels in 2000 and 2003.

What are the achievements of John Forsythe?

John Forsythe was an American actor, producer, narrator, drama teacher, and philanthropist who had a long and successful career in stage, film, and television. He was best known for his roles as the single father Bentley Gregg in the sitcom Bachelor Father, the voice of the mysterious Charlie Townsend in the crime drama Charlie’s Angels, and the patriarch Blake Carrington in the soap opera Dynasty. He also appeared as a guest on several talk and variety shows and as a panelist on numerous game shows. He was a versatile performer who could handle comedy, drama, and romance with equal ease. He was also a producer, narrator, drama teacher, and philanthropist who supported various causes and charities.

Some of his achievements are:

He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to television.
He won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for Dynasty in 1983 and 1984.
He won a Golden Apple Award for Male Star of the Year in 1984.
He won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Actor in a Prime Time Serial for Dynasty in 1984.
He won a TV Land Award for Pop Culture Icon Award for Charlie’s Angels in 2007.
He was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards for Bachelor Father, Charlie’s Angels, and Dynasty.
He was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards for Bachelor Father, The John Forsythe Show, To Rome with Love, Charlie’s Angels, and Dynasty.
He was nominated for two People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Male TV Performer in 1979 and 1980.
He was nominated for two Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Villain: Prime Time and Outstanding Lead Actor: Prime Time for Dynasty in 1986 and 1988.
He was nominated for two TV Land Awards for Favorite Crimestopper Duo for Charlie’s Angels in 2003 and 2004.

Who is John Forsythe married to?

John Forsythe was married three times in his life. His first wife was Parker Worthington McCormick, whom he married in 1939 when he was 21 years old. They had one son, Dall Forsythe, who became an economist and professor. They divorced in 1943.

His second wife was Julie Warren, whom he married in 1943 when he was 25 years old. They had two daughters, Page Forsythe and Brooke Forsythe. Julie was an actress and dancer who appeared with John on Broadway and television. She also helped him run his horse breeding farm in California. She died of cancer in 1994 after 51 years of marriage.

His third wife was Nicole Carter, whom he married in 2002 when he was 84 years old. She was a businesswoman who owned an art gallery and a clothing boutique. They remained married until John’s death in 2010. Nicole died five weeks after John from cardiac arrest.

Is John Forsythe socially active?

John Forsythe was socially active throughout his life. He was involved in various causes and charities that supported human rights, animal welfare, environmental protection, education, arts, and health. Some of the organizations he supported or worked with are:

The Actors Studio: He was one of the founding members of this prestigious institution that trained many famous actors. He also served as its president from 1994 to 2002.
The American Cancer Society: He was a spokesperson and fundraiser for this organization that fights cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. He also participated in its annual telethon.
The American Heart Association: He was a supporter and donor of this organization that promotes cardiovascular health through research, education, advocacy, and service.
The American Humane Association: He was an advocate and benefactor of this organization that protects animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. He also hosted its annual Genesis Awards ceremony that honors media professionals who raise awareness of animal issues.
The American Red Cross: He was a volunteer and donor of this organization that provides humanitarian aid to victims of disasters and emergencies. He also hosted its annual telethon.
The Environmental Defense Fund: He was a supporter and donor of this organization that works to protect the environment from pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and other threats. He also narrated some of its documentaries.
The Motion Picture & Television Fund: He was a supporter and donor of this organization that provides health care, social services, financial assistance, and retirement living to members of the entertainment industry. He also served on its board of trustees.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): He was a goodwill ambassador and fundraiser for this organization that works to improve the lives of children around the world through health care, education, protection, and empowerment. He also visited some of its projects in Africa and Asia.

What is the net worth of John Forsythe?

John Forsythe’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million at the time of his death. He earned his wealth through his successful career in film, television, and stage. He also invested in thoroughbred racing, a personal hobby. He owned several horses that competed in various races and won several awards. He also served on the board of directors of the Hollywood Park Racetrack for more than 25 years.

What are the movies John Forsythe has worked in?

John Forsythe worked in more than 40 movies in his career, spanning from 1943 to 2003. Some of his notable movies are:

The Captive City (1952): He played Jim Austin, a newspaper editor who exposes a crime syndicate in a small town.
It Happens Every Thursday (1953): He played Bob MacAvoy, a New York reporter who moves to a rural town with his wife and becomes the owner of a local newspaper.
The Trouble with Harry (1955): He played Sam Marlowe, an artist who gets involved in a murder mystery involving a dead body and several quirky characters. This was Alfred Hitchcock’s first comedy film.
The Ambassador’s Daughter (1956): He played Danny Sullivan, an American soldier who falls in love with the daughter of the French ambassador in Paris.
Madame X (1966): He played Clayton Anderson, a lawyer who defends a woman accused of murder without knowing that she is his estranged mother-in-law.
In Cold Blood (1967): He played Alvin Dewey, a detective who investigates the brutal murder of a family in Kansas. This was based on Truman Capote’s true crime novel of the same name.
Topaz (1969): He played Michael Nordstrom, a CIA agent who uncovers a Soviet spy ring in France. This was another Hitchcock film based on a novel by Leon Uris.
And Justice for All (1979): He played Judge Henry T. Fleming, a corrupt and arrogant judge who is accused of rape and blackmail by a lawyer played by Al Pacino.
Scrooged (1988): He played Lew Hayward, the ghost of a former TV executive who haunts his former protégé played by Bill Murray. This was a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Charlie’s Angels (2000) and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003): He reprised his role as Charles Townsend, the unseen boss of three female private investigators. These were film adaptations of the TV series that made him famous.

What are the famous roles played by John Forsythe?

Bentley Gregg in Bachelor Father (1957-1962): He played a wealthy lawyer who adopted his orphaned niece and raised her with the help of his butler and his girlfriend. The show was one of the first sitcoms to feature a single parent and was popular with audiences and critics. Forsythe received four Emmy nominations for his performance.
Charles Townsend in Charlie’s Angels (1976-1981): He played the unseen boss of three female private investigators who worked for his detective agency. He communicated with them only through a speakerphone and gave them assignments that involved glamour, danger, and adventure. He also reprised his role in the film adaptations of Charlie’s Angels in 2000 and 2003. He was the only actor to appear in all six seasons of the show and both movies.
Blake Carrington in Dynasty (1981-1989): He played the ruthless oil tycoon who married his former secretary and had to deal with his ex-wife, his children, his rivals, and his enemies. The show was a ratings hit and a cultural phenomenon that featured lavish costumes, extravagant settings, and melodramatic plots. Forsythe won two Golden Globe Awards and a Soap Opera Digest Award for his performance.

Which brands does John Forsythe endorse?

John Forsythe was not only a successful actor but also a spokesperson and endorser for various brands and products. He used his distinctive voice and charming personality to promote them in commercials, print ads, and public appearances. Some of the brands he endorsed are:

Fabergé: He was the face of Fabergé’s men’s fragrance line Brut in the 1970s. He appeared in several commercials that showcased his sophistication, elegance, and masculinity. He also hosted a special TV program called The Fabergé Easter Egg Hunt in 1976.
Hallmark: He was the voice of Hallmark’s slogan “When you care enough to send the very best” in the 1980s. He narrated many commercials that featured sentimental scenes of people expressing their love, gratitude, and friendship with Hallmark cards.
American Express: He was one of the celebrities who appeared in American Express’s “Do You Know Me?” campaign in the 1990s. He introduced himself as an actor who played many roles but always carried his American Express card.

What are the viral stories of John Forsythe?

John Forsythe was not only a talented actor but also a fascinating person who had many interesting stories to tell. Some of his stories went viral on social media and online platforms, attracting attention from fans and curious people alike. Some of these stories are:

He was friends with Marilyn Monroe: He revealed that he befriended Marilyn Monroe when they were both young actors in Hollywood. He said that she was a sweet and vulnerable person who confided in him about her troubles. He also said that she gave him some advice about surviving in the industry: “Beware of the wolves in Hollywood, honey, because if they don’t get what they want, they will cancel your contract.”
He ate ice cream with Marlon Brando: He shared that he became friends with Marlon Brando when they worked together on Broadway. He said that Brando would often visit his apartment and raid his fridge for ice cream. He said that Brando loved ice cream so much that he would eat every jar he could find.
He survived open heart surgery: He disclosed that he underwent a six-hour open heart surgery in 1979 that almost killed him. He said that he had a near-death experience during the operation and saw a bright light at the end of a tunnel. He said that he felt peaceful and calm until he heard a voice telling him to go back.

What are the scandals of John Forsythe?

John Forsythe was not immune to scandals and controversies that often plagued celebrities and public figures. He faced some accusations and criticisms that tarnished his image and reputation. Some of these scandals are:

He had a feud with Joan Collins: He had a bitter rivalry with Joan Collins, who played his ex-wife Alexis on Dynasty. Collins accused him of being a misogynist who demanded more money and more screen time than anyone else on the show. She also claimed that he refused to speak to her for an entire season after she received an award that he wanted. Forsythe denied her allegations and said that she was a troublemaker who exaggerated their differences.
He was sued by a former employee: He was sued by a former personal assistant who alleged that he sexually harassed her and fired her without cause. She claimed that he made unwanted advances, touched her inappropriately, and asked her to perform sexual acts. She also claimed that he terminated her employment after she rejected him. Forsythe denied her charges and said that she was a disgruntled employee who fabricated her story.
He was involved in a legal dispute with Saudi Arabian Airlines: He was involved in a legal dispute with Saudi Arabian Airlines, which hired him as a commercial pilot in 1982. He sued the airline for wrongful termination after he was fired for failing proficiency and evaluation tests. He claimed that he was discriminated against because of his age and nationality. The airline moved to dismiss his case, arguing that it was immune from U.S. jurisdiction under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The case went through several appeals and was eventually settled out of court.

Famous legal cases of John Forsythe

John Forsythe was not only a star of the screen but also a star of the courtroom. He was involved in several legal cases that made headlines and drew attention from the public and the media. Some of these cases are:

He sued Warner Bros. for breach of contract: He sued Warner Bros. for breach of contract in 1955, claiming that the studio violated his exclusive seven-year contract by loaning him out to other studios without his consent. He alleged that he lost income and opportunities because of the studio’s actions. He also alleged that the studio damaged his reputation by casting him in inferior roles. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
He challenged the FCC’s fairness doctrine: He challenged the Federal Communications Commission’s fairness doctrine in 1969, arguing that it violated his First Amendment rights. The fairness doctrine required broadcasters to present both sides of controversial issues of public importance. Forsythe claimed that the doctrine prevented him from expressing his political views on his radio show, The John Forsythe Show. He appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear his case.
He defended his right to privacy: He defended his right to privacy in 1978, when he sued two photographers who took pictures of him and his wife at their home without their permission. He claimed that the photographers invaded his privacy and caused him emotional distress. He sought damages and an injunction to prevent the publication of the photos. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

FAQ:

Who is John Forsythe? John Forsythe was an American actor, producer, narrator, drama teacher, and philanthropist who had a long and successful career in stage, film, and television. He was best known for his roles as the single father Bentley Gregg in the sitcom Bachelor Father, the voice of the mysterious Charlie Townsend in the crime drama Charlie’s Angels, and the patriarch Blake Carrington in the soap opera Dynasty. He also appeared as a guest on several talk and variety shows and as a panelist on numerous game shows. He was a versatile performer who could handle comedy, drama, and romance with equal ease. He was also a producer, narrator, drama teacher, and philanthropist who supported various causes and charities.
When and where was John Forsythe born? John Forsythe was born on January 29, 1918, in Penns Grove, New Jersey, USA. He was the eldest of three children of Blanche Forsythe (née Blohm) and Samuel Jeremiah Freund, a stockbroker. His parents were of Jewish descent, with roots in Russia, Poland, and Prussia.
What was John Forsythe’s real name? John Forsythe’s real name was John Lincoln Freund. He changed his name to John Forsythe in 1943 at the suggestion of his agent, who thought that his original surname sounded too German. He also liked the sound of the name John Forsythe, which was inspired by a men’s clothing store on Madison Avenue in New York City.
How did John Forsythe start his acting career? John Forsythe started his acting career in films in 1943, after signing a contract with Warner Bros. He appeared in minor roles in movies such as Destination Tokyo, Escape from Fort Bravo, and The Trouble with Harry. His film career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Army Air Corps and performed in the Air Corps show Winged Victory. After the war, he returned to films and also ventured into television and stage. He starred in several Broadway productions, such as Kiss Me, Kate and The Pajama Game. He also had his own radio show, The John Forsythe Show, and hosted several TV shows, such as World of Survival and The John Forsythe Show. He achieved fame and success with his roles in Bachelor Father, Charlie’s Angels, and Dynasty, for which he won several awards and nominations. He also reprised his role as Charles Townsend in the film adaptations of Charlie’s Angels in 2000 and 2003. He retired from acting in 2006, after appearing in a cameo role in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.
What was John Forsythe’s distinctive feature? John Forsythe’s distinctive feature was his rich mellifluous voice with a Brooklyn accent. He used his voice to great effect in various roles, such as the single playboy father Bentley Gregg in Bachelor Father, the mysterious millionaire Charles Townsend in Charlie’s Angels, and the ruthless oil tycoon Blake Carrington in Dynasty. He also narrated many documentaries, commercials, and awards shows. His voice was described as “one of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices”.
Who were John Forsythe’s spouses and children? John Forsythe was married three times in his life. His first wife was Parker McCormick, whom he married in 1939 when he was 21 years old. They had one son, Dall Forsythe, who became an economist and professor. They divorced in 1943.

What were John Forsythe’s hobbies and interests? John Forsythe had many hobbies and interests besides acting. He loved music and played the piano and guitar. He also enjoyed reading books and writing poetry. He was fond of sports and played tennis and golf regularly. He also liked swimming and sailing.

One of his passions was horse racing. He owned several thoroughbred horses that competed in various races and won several awards. He also served on the board of directors of the Hollywood Park Racetrack for more than 25 years. He named some of his horses after his famous roles, such as Bentley, Charlie, and Blake.

What were John Forsythe’s causes and charities? John Forsythe was a socially active and generous person who supported various causes and charities that dealt with human rights, animal welfare, environmental protection, education, arts, and health. Some of the organizations he supported or worked with are:

The Actors Studio: He was one of the founding members of this prestigious institution that trained many famous actors. He also served as its president from 1994 to 2002.
The American Cancer Society: He was a spokesperson and fundraiser for this organization that fights cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. He also participated in its annual telethon.
The American Heart Association: He was a supporter and donor of this organization that promotes cardiovascular health through research, education, advocacy, and service.
The American Humane Association: He was an advocate and benefactor of this organization that protects animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. He also hosted its annual Genesis Awards ceremony that honors media professionals who raise awareness of animal issues.
The American Red Cross: He was a volunteer and donor of this organization that provides humanitarian aid to victims of disasters and emergencies. He also hosted its annual telethon.
The Environmental Defense Fund: He was a supporter and donor of this organization that works to protect the environment from pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and other threats. He also narrated some of its documentaries.
The Motion Picture & Television Fund: He was a supporter and donor of this organization that provides health care, social services, financial assistance, and retirement living to members of the entertainment industry. He also served on its board of trustees.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): He was a goodwill ambassador and fundraiser for this organization that works to improve the lives of children around the world through health care, education, protection, and empowerment. He also visited some of its projects in Africa and Asia.

When and how did John Forsythe die? John Forsythe died on April 1, 2010, at the age of 92. He died from complications of pneumonia at his home in Santa Ynez, California. He had been suffering from colon cancer since 2006 and had undergone chemotherapy and surgery. He was surrounded by his family and friends when he passed away.

His funeral was held on April 6, 2010, at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered at his ranch in Santa Ynez Valley. His memorial service was attended by many celebrities and colleagues who paid tribute to him.

What is John Forsythe’s legacy? John Forsythe’s legacy is that of a versatile and talented actor who entertained millions of people with his performances in film, television, and stage. He was also a respected and admired person who contributed to various fields and causes with his skills and generosity. He was honored with many awards and recognitions for his work and achievements.

Some of his honors are:

He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to television.
He won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for Dynasty in 1983 and 1984.
He won a Golden Apple Award for Male Star of the Year in 1984.
He won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Actor in a Prime Time Serial for Dynasty in 1984.
He won a TV Land Award for Pop Culture Icon Award for Charlie’s Angels in 2007.
He was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards for Bachelor Father, Charlie’s Angels, and Dynasty.
He was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards for Bachelor Father, The John Forsythe Show, To Rome with Love, Charlie’s Angels, and Dynasty.
He was nominated for two People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Male TV Performer in 1979 and 1980.
He was nominated for two Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Villain: Prime Time and Outstanding Lead Actor: Prime Time for Dynasty in 1986 and 1988.
He was nominated for two TV Land Awards for Favorite Crimestopper Duo for Charlie’s Angels in 2003 and 2004.

He is remembered as one of the most beloved and influential actors of his generation. His roles as Bentley Gregg, Charles Townsend, and Blake Carrington are considered iconic and memorable. His voice is still recognized as one of the most distinctive and captivating voices in Hollywood history. His work is still enjoyed by fans old and new around the world.