James Jeter

James Jeter (September 15, 1921 – March 4, 2007), also credited as James Jeeter, was an American actor who worked across stage, film, and television. Born in Star, Texas, he died in Houston, Texas, at the age of 85.

Jeter began his career on stage, performing at the Alley Theatre before moving to Broadway. Between 1959 and 1960, he appeared in two Broadway productions: the play The Long Dream and the play Sweet Bird of Youth. In 1985, he took on the lead role in All My Sons at the Geva Theatre Center, stepping in to replace Gerald Richards, who had been hospitalized.

His film career began with an uncredited appearance in the 1964 production The Best Man, followed by a role in Kiss Me, Stupid. He appeared in The Sand Pebbles in 1966, portraying Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Farren, and the following year was cast in Cool Hand Luke. His subsequent film credits included Ice Station Zebra, Hang 'Em High, Assault on Precinct 13, Fun with Dick and Jane, The Four Deuces, F.I.S.T., The Christian Licorice Store, Fast Break, The Hollywood Knights, Blow Out, The Border, and A Change of Seasons. His final film credit was the 1993 release A Perfect World.

On television, Jeter held a recurring role as "Smitty" in the drama series Delvecchio and portrayed blacksmith Hans Dorfler in the historical drama Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1980. He also guest-starred in numerous series, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Rawhide, Death Valley Days, The Wild Wild West, Land of the Giants, M*A*S*H, Emergency!, The Rockford Files, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Waltons, and Knots Landing. In addition to his acting career, Jeter worked as a lawyer in California.