Preston Hanson

Preston Hanson (January 17, 1921 – February 12, 2008) was an American actor born in Iowa who relocated to California in 1940 and attended Pasadena Junior College.

Before pursuing a career in entertainment, Hanson served in World War II as a combat pilot in Europe, completing 65 attack missions. His military service earned him both the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross, and he subsequently attained the rank of major in the Air Force Reserve.

Hanson's Broadway career spanned 1951 to 1952 and included three productions. He appeared in Billy Budd and Saint Joan, both in 1951, followed by Much Ado About Nothing in 1952. His work in theater ran alongside a television and film career that extended across four decades and encompassed more than 30 series and feature films. Among his screen credits were appearances in Dynasty, Gunsmoke, Dallas, The A-Team, Goodbye Norma Jean, and Action Jackson. His final screen credit came with the 1994 comedy Cops and Robbersons.

Outside of acting, Hanson was active in California Democratic politics during the 1960s. In 1964, while working as a property manager, he sought the Democratic nomination for Congress in California's 27th District. Two years later, he pursued the Democratic nomination for the 42nd Assembly District of the California Legislature. Hanson was married to the former Lorraine Johnson, and the couple had four children.