David Hedison

David Hedison
Name	David Hedison
Caption	Hedison in 1960
Birth name	Al Hedison
Birth date	20 May 1927
Birth place	Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Death date	18 July 2019
Death place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1949–2016
Spouse	Bridget Mori, 1968, 2016

David Hedison was an American actor best known for his roles in television and film during the mid-to-late 20th century. He gained prominence for portraying Captain Lee Crane in the popular science fiction series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and for being the first actor to play Felix Leiter in two separate James Bond films. His career spanned over six decades, earning him recognition as a reliable and charismatic performer in genre entertainment.

Early life and education

Born Al Hedison in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of a jewelry toolmaker. He developed an interest in acting during his time at Brown University, where he performed in several collegiate productions. After serving in the United States Navy, he pursued formal training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, studying under renowned instructors like Sanford Meisner. His early stage work in Off-Broadway theater laid the foundation for his professional career.

Career

Hedison began his career on the Broadway stage, appearing in productions such as A Month in the Country. He was discovered by 20th Century Fox and made his film debut in the 1957 horror movie The Enemy Below, though his breakthrough came with the lead role in The Fly opposite Vincent Price. His television career flourished with his starring role on ABC's Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, which aired from 1964 to 1968. He later became notable in the James Bond franchise, playing Felix Leiter in Live and Let Die and Licence to Kill. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he made numerous guest appearances on series like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Dynasty.

Personal life

Hedison was married to actress Bridget Mori from 1968 until her death in 2016; the couple had two daughters. He was a longtime resident of Los Angeles and was known among colleagues for his professionalism and gentle demeanor. An active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he also supported various charitable organizations. He maintained friendships within the industry, including with fellow actors from his time on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and the James Bond productions.

Filmography

A selected list of his work includes films such as The Fly (1958), The Lost World (1960), and Live and Let Die (1973). His extensive television credits feature the series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964–1968), and guest roles on Mission: Impossible, Charlie's Angels, Murder, She Wrote, and The Young and the Restless. Later in his career, he appeared in independent films and provided voice work for audio dramas.

Awards and nominations

For his role in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Hedison received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actor on Television. He was honored with a Golden Boot Award for his contributions to the western genre through various guest-starring roles. In 2012, he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Monsterpalooza convention for his work in classic horror and science fiction cinema.

Death and legacy

David Hedison died of natural causes on July 18, 2019, in Los Angeles, at the age of 92. His death was reported by major outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. He is remembered as a defining face of 1960s science fiction television and a memorable part of the James Bond film legacy. His performances continue to be celebrated by fans at conventions and through retrospectives of classic American television.

Category:American male television actors Category:American film actors Category:1927 births Category:2019 deaths