Orson Bean

Orson Bean was an American actor, comedian, and television personality, best known for his appearances on What's My Line?, To Tell the Truth, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He was a regular guest on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Mike Douglas Show, and worked with notable figures such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Bean's career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions, including Broadway productions like Subways Are for Sleeping and Never Too Late. He was also a frequent guest on The Merv Griffin Show and The Carol Burnett Show.

● Early Life

Orson Bean was born Dallas Frederick Burroughs in Burlington, Vermont, to Harold Burroughs and Mabeline Burroughs. He grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and developed an interest in acting at a young age, inspired by performers like Charlie Chaplin and The Marx Brothers. Bean attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and later studied at Harvard University, where he was a member of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and performed alongside fellow students William F. Buckley Jr. and John F. Kennedy. He also worked with the Brattle Theatre and the Poets' Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

● Career

Orson Bean's career in entertainment began in the 1950s, when he started performing as a stand-up comedian in New York City's Greenwich Village. He appeared on various television shows, including The Jack Paar Program and The Steve Allen Show, and worked with comedians like Milton Berle and Sid Caesar. Bean's breakthrough came when he became a regular panelist on What's My Line?, alongside Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Bennett Cerf. He also appeared on The Andy Williams Show and The Perry Como Show, and worked with singers like Perry Como and Andy Williams. Bean's film career included roles in movies like Being John Malkovich and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and he worked with directors like Spike Jonze and James L. Brooks.

● Personal Life

Orson Bean was married to Jacqueline de Sibour from 1956 to 1962, and later married Carolyn Maxwell in 1965, with whom he had one daughter, Susannah Bean. He was also married to Allison Bean from 1993 until his death in 2020. Bean was a longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, and was involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. He was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and worked with other actors like Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston.

● Filmography

Orson Bean's filmography includes a wide range of television shows and films, such as The Twilight Zone, The Wild Wild West, and Murder, She Wrote. He appeared in movies like Anatomy of a Murder and The Star Wagon, and worked with actors like James Stewart and Henry Fonda. Bean also had roles in television shows like The Golden Girls and Desperate Housewives, and worked with actresses like Betty White and Eva Longoria. His stage credits include productions like The Fantasticks and A Thousand Clowns, and he worked with directors like Mike Nichols and Neil Simon.

● Death and Legacy

Orson Bean died on February 7, 2020, at the age of 91, in Venice, Los Angeles, California. He was remembered by his colleagues and friends, including Dick Cavett and Joy Behar, for his quick wit and charming personality. Bean's legacy includes his numerous appearances on television shows and films, as well as his work on stage productions. He was also remembered for his charitable work, particularly with organizations like the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations. Bean's death was mourned by the entertainment industry, with tributes from actors like Alan Alda and Carl Reiner, and he was celebrated for his contributions to the world of entertainment, including his work with The Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. Category:American actors