Howard Wendell

Howard David Wendell (January 2, 1908 – August 11, 1975) was an American actor whose career spanned Broadway, film, and television. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the son of Irwin Wendell and Clara Heal, and one of two brothers. By 1913, the family had settled in Elyria, Ohio, where his father worked for Parsch Lumber and Coal Company, beginning as a truck driver and eventually advancing to foreman of the lumber yard. Wendell pursued formal training at Ohio University before apprenticing at the Cleveland Playhouse, where he also met Harriet Morley, a costumer employed there. The two married on September 13, 1937, and together had three sons and one daughter before divorcing in January 1968.

Prior to his Broadway career, Wendell built his stage experience across regional theaters, performing at venues in Santa Barbara, Hollywood, Phoenix, La Jolla, and San Francisco. In 1946, he was awarded a gold cup at the Newport Casino Theatre in Rhode Island in recognition of being named the actor with the best performance of that year.

Wendell appeared on Broadway between 1947 and 1951. His first Broadway credit was The Great Campaign in 1947, followed by three productions in 1950: the play Arms and the Man, the play The Show Off, and The Curious Savage. His final Broadway appearance came in 1951 with the musical Make a Wish.

From 1949 to 1970, Wendell worked extensively in film and television. His television appearances included Dragnet, Perry Mason, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Munsters, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Leave It to Beaver, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Hazel, The Big Valley, and the first season of Batman, specifically episodes three and four. His final screen appearance was in Adam-12. Wendell died on August 11, 1975, at the age of 67, at his home in Oregon City, survived by his wife, children, and brother.