Ted Bessell's Main TV Roles Show Character(s) That Girl Donald 'Don… Hail To the Chief Gen. Oliver… Comedy Factory (CA) Max Harrison Good Time Harry Harry Jenkins It's a Man's World Tom-Tom DeW… Me And The Chimp Mike Reynolds The Greatest Show on Earth Loring Wagner

Main Movie Roles 1963 - Captain Newman, M.D.

BIOGRAPHY:

Born in New York City, Ted's early career included guest appearances in soap operas, Lover Come Back (1961) and "It's a Man's World" (1962). Ted went on to appear as "Frankie" on "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." (1964), but his big break was as "That Guy" on the successful Marlo Thomas Television series "That Girl" (1965). As "Don Hollinger", he played the boyfriend of aspiring actress "Ann Marie". After that, he appeared in a number of short lived Television comedy series including "Me and the Chimp" (1972), "Good Time Harry" (1980) and "Hail to the Chief" (1985). After being stereotyped as the good boyfriend, Ted found jobs hard to find so he moved towards the direction and production end of Television. Ted directed episodes of "The Tracey Ullman Show" (1987) and "Sibs" (1991). At the time of his death, he was preparing to direct a movie version of the Television series "Bewitched" (1964).


TRIVIA:

• His surviving wife, Linnell Nobori, is an artist. They have two daughters, Sarah and Mary.
• Best remembered by the public for his role as Donald Hollinger in That Girl (1966).
• Is interred at Woodlawn Cemetary, Santa Monica, CA
• Attending both Georgetown University and the University of Colorado, he graduated in 1958 and focused on acting. He studied with 'Sanford Meisner' (qv) at the Neighborhood Playhouse.
• Interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, California.
• Before becoming an actor, Ted Bessell had seriously considered the Catholic Priesthood as a vocation.
• Remained friends with _"That Girl" (1965)_ (qv) costar 'Marlo Thomas' (qv) until his death.
• A former 12-year-old child prodigy, his youthful highlight was performing a piano recital at Carnegie Hall.