Harvey Stephens


Harvey Stephens was an American actor, known initially for his performances in Broadway productions, and thereafter for his work in film and on television. He was most active in film beginning in the 1930s and through the mid-1940s. Beginning in the mid-1950s, he transitioned to television and enjoyed success there through the 1960s.
Stephens was also an avid competitive glider pilot. He was inducted into the Soaring Hall of Fame in 1966 for his contributions to the sport.

Early years

Stephens was born on August 21, 1901, in Los Angeles, California. As a student at the University of California at Los Angeles, he earned letters in basketball and football. Before he turned to acting, Stephens worked in western copper mines and Mexican oil fields in addition to working around the world on a freighter.

Stage

Stephens' debut in the theater came in 1920 at the Pilgrimage Play in Hemet, California. Following that, he toured for two years in a troupe headed by Walter Hampden and worked in stock theater companies in several cities.
On Broadway, Stephens appeared as Sam Worthing in Other Men's Wives, written by Walter Hackett, late in 1929. He also appeared as Richard Wadsworth in Dishonored Lady ; as Gail Redman in Tomorrow and Tomorrow ; as Joe Fisk in The Animal Kingdom ; Fred Barton in Best Years ; Bruce Blakely in The Party's Over ; and John Palmer in Conquest. He also appeared in South Pacific as Commander Harbison, alongside Mary Martin; he was one of only two cast members who did not sing.
For the summer of 1931, Stephens was a member of the Summer stock cast at Elitch Theatre.

Film

Stephens made his leading debut opposite Tallulah Bankhead in The Cheat. After appearing in The Texans and The Oklahoma Kid, he began appearing in many Western films, although he also appeared with Gary Cooper, Joan Leslie, and Walter Brennan in Sergeant York.

Television

Stephens appeared on a number of television shows beginning in the early 1950s and continuing through the late 1960s, including The Aquanauts, Ripcord, 77 Sunset Strip, Ben Casey and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, as well as multiple episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Wagon Train, Bat Masterson, Perry Mason, and Bonanza.

Activities outside of acting

Beginning in the late 1930s, Stephens was one of the earliest major proponents of gliders, and pursued an interest in the sport throughout his life. In 1937, Harland Ross custom built a glider for Stephens, which became the Ross RS-1 Zanonia. He organized a number of competitions and was still participating after his retirement from acting into the 1960s.

Personal life

On January 20, 1946, Stephens married Barbara Adams, a stage director. He had previously been married to stage actress Beatrice Nichols.

Partial filmography

The Cheat – Jeffrey CarlylePaddy the Next Best Thing – Jack BreenJimmy and Sally – Ralph AndrewsThe Worst Woman in Paris? – John StrongSleepers East – Martin Knox Evelyn Prentice – Lawrence KennardAfter Office Hours – Tommy BannisterOne New York Night – CollisBaby Face Harrington – RonaldLet 'Em Have It – Van RensselerThe Murder Man – Henry ManderOrchids to You – George DraperIt's in the Air – Sidney KendallWhipsaw – Ed DexterTough Guy – Chief DavisonRobin Hood of El Dorado – Captain OsborneAbsolute Quiet – Barney TaitThe Three Wise Guys – AmbershamSworn Enemy – District Attorney Paul ScottAll American Chump – Jim CrawfordMaid of Salem – Dr. John HardingMurder Goes to College – Paul BroderickSwing High, Swing Low – Harvey HowellKing of Gamblers – J.G. TempleNight of Mystery – Dr. Von BlonForlorn River – Les SetterNight Club Scandal – Frank MarshDangerous to Know – Philip EastonTip-Off Girls – Chief Agent Jason BaardueThe Texans – Lieutenant David NicholsThe Oklahoma Kid – Ned KincaidThe House of Fear - Richard 'Dick' PierceYou Can't Get Away with Murder – Fred BurkeGrand Jury Secrets – Michael KeefeBeau Geste – Lieutenant MartinAbe Lincoln in Illinois – Ninian EdwardsThe Fighting 69th – Major AndersonParole Fixer – Bartley HanfordStagecoach War – Neal HoltWhen the Daltons Rode – RigbyThe Texas Rangers Ride Again – Ranger BlairSergeant York – Captain DanforthOur Wife – Dr. CassellJoe Smith, American – Freddie DunhillThe Lady Is Willing – Dr. GoldingThe Courtship of Andy Hardy – Roderick O. NesbitTombstone, the Town Too Tough to Die – Morgan EarpGeorge Washington Slept Here – Jeff DouglasLady in the Dark – Liza's FatherThe Story of Dr. Wassell – Captain in Charge of Evacuation Three Young Texans – Jim ColtCell 2455, Death Row – Prison WardenThe Girl in the Red Velvet Swing – Dr. Hollingshead DDSAlfred Hitchcock Presents - Lieutenant James LarkinOregon Passage – Captain Boyson