Dan Frazer(1921-2011)
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Son of a bricklayer and ironworker, who was involved in the
construction of the Empire State Building, Dan Frazer first acted in
local theatre in his rough 'Hell's Kitchen' neighbourhood on the
Manhattan West Side. He also benefited from the Federal Theatre
Project, funded by the Works Progress Administration after the onset of
the Great Depression. During World War II, Dan helped entertain troops
as a member of the U.S. Army Special Services, subsequently making his
first appearance on Broadway as a marine in 'Christopher Blake'. He
began acting on the small screen during the 1950's, appearing in
anything from anthology series, to comedies, to crime drama. His motion
picture debut did not eventuate until 1963, when he portrayed a priest
in
Lilies of the Field (1963).
For the best part of his screen career, Dan portrayed an assortment of clergymen and cops, almost invariably honest, hard-working types. Internationally, he became best known as Telly Savalas's nervous NYPD boss, Captain Frank McNeil, during all five seasons of Kojak (1973); and as Virgil Starkwell's (Woody Allen's) psychiatrist in the hilarious Take the Money and Run (1969). Dan Frazer was a Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
For the best part of his screen career, Dan portrayed an assortment of clergymen and cops, almost invariably honest, hard-working types. Internationally, he became best known as Telly Savalas's nervous NYPD boss, Captain Frank McNeil, during all five seasons of Kojak (1973); and as Virgil Starkwell's (Woody Allen's) psychiatrist in the hilarious Take the Money and Run (1969). Dan Frazer was a Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
