Misplaced Pages

Kerwin Mathews: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 20:05, 15 July 2019 edit68.129.15.71 (talk) →Freelance actor← Previous edit Latest revision as of 06:21, 7 January 2025 edit undoFfirehorse (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,914 editsm wikilinks 
(48 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American actor (1926–2007)}}
⚫ {{Infobox person
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}}
⚫ {{Infobox person
| name = Kerwin Mathews | name = Kerwin Mathews
| image = KerwinJackGiantKiller.JPG | image = KerwinJackGiantKiller.JPG
| caption = Mathews as Jack the Giant Killer | caption = Mathews as Jack the Giant Killer
| birth_date = {{birth date|1926|1|8}} | birth_date = {{birth date|1926|1|8}}
| birth_place = ], ], U.S. | birth_place = ], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2007|7|5|1926|1|8}}<br>], ], U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2007|7|5|1926|1|8}}<br />], U.S.
| occupation = Actor | occupation = Actor
| yearsactive = 1954–1978 | yearsactive = 1954–1978
| spouse = | spouse =
| partner = Tom Nicoll {{small|(1961–2007; his death)}} | partner = Tom Nicoll (1961–2007; his death)
}} }}


'''Kerwin Mathews''' (January 8, 1926 – July 5, 2007) was an ] ] best known for playing the titular heroes in '']'' (]), '']'' (]) and '']'' (]). '''Kerwin Mathews''' (January 8, 1926 – July 5, 2007) was an American actor best known for playing the titular heroes in '']'' (1958), '']'' (1960), and '']'' (1962).


==Early life== == Early life ==
Mathews was born January 8, 1926,<ref>{{cite news|last=Bergan|first=Ronald|title=Kerwin Mathews: Actor who crossed swords with animation|work=The Guardian|date=3 September 2007|accessdate=8 January 2018|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/03/guardianobituaries.obituaries}}</ref> in ], ] and was two years old when he moved with his divorced mother to ], ]. He attended ], graduating in 1943. Mathews said that "a kind high school teacher put me in a play, and that changed my life."<ref name="latimes" /> Mathews was born on January 8, 1926,<ref>{{cite news| last=Bergan| first=Ronald| title=Kerwin Mathews: Actor who crossed swords with animation| newspaper=]| location=]| date=September 3, 2007| access-date=January 8, 2018| url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/03/guardianobituaries.obituaries}}</ref> in ], and was two years old when he moved with his divorced mother to ], where he attended ], graduating in 1943. Mathews said that "a kind high school teacher put me in a play, and that changed my life."<ref name="latimes" />
According to a classmate, he was a "handsome rascal".<ref name="Reisinger"/>


After serving in the ] during World War II as a pilot and swimming instructor, he attended and performed at nearby Milton College for two years before transferring to ] on ] and ] scholarships. He remained at Beloit three years after graduation teaching speech and dramatic arts and appeared in regional theatre. He also taught high school English in ].<ref name=latimes>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-mathews11jul11,1,7926658.story?track=rss |newspaper=] |title=Kerwin Mathews, 81; fantasy film hero |date=July 10, 2007 |accessdate=July 13, 2007}}</ref> After serving in the ] during ] as a ] and swimming instructor, he attended and performed at nearby ] for two years before transferring to ] on drama and music scholarships. He remained at Beloit three years after graduation, teaching speech and dramatic arts, and appeared in regional theater. He also taught high school English in ].<ref name=latimes>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-mathews11jul11,1,7926658.story?track=rss |newspaper=] |title=Kerwin Mathews, 81; fantasy film hero |date=July 10, 2007 |access-date=July 13, 2007}}</ref>


==Columbia Pictures== == Columbia Pictures ==
After moving to Los Angeles in 1954, Mathews acted at the ], including a production of ''Comedy of Error''.<ref>KATHERINE, V. B. (1953, Aug 05). 'COMEDY OF ERRORS' OFFERED AT PLAYHOUSE. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/166511726?accountid=13902</ref> While there he met the head of casting for ], leading to a seven-year ].<ref name="latimes" /> After moving to Los Angeles in 1954, Mathews acted at the ], including a production of ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite news| first=Katherine| last=Von Blon| title='Comedy Of Errors' Offered At Playhouse| date=August 5, 1953| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| id={{ProQuest|166511726}}}}</ref> While there he met the head of casting for ], leading to a seven-year ].<ref name="latimes" />


One of his first roles was in the episode "The Escape of Mr. Proteus" in '']''. He had an uncredited bit in '']'' (1955) for Columbia. His first credited film role was in '']'' (1955), an early role for ].<ref>Ann miller to co-star. (1954, Oct 16). New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/113029585?accountid=13902</ref> His pay was $200 a week. Mathews was then cast in the title role of an adaptation of '']'' with ]. However, the film was cancelled shortly before filming was to commence.<ref>Swires, June 1987 p 28-29</ref><ref>By THOMAS M PRYORSpecial to The New York Times. (1955, Apr 16). METRO TO REMAKE 'THE PAINTED VEIL'. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/113462352?accountid=13902</ref> One of his first roles was in the episode "The Escape of Mr. Proteus" in '']''. He had an uncredited bit in '']'' (1955) for Columbia. His first credited film role was in '']'' (1955), an early role for ].<ref>{{cite news| title=Ann Miller to Co-Star| date=October 16, 1954| newspaper=]| id={{ProQuest|113029585}}}}</ref> His pay was $200 per week. Mathews then was cast in the title role of a treatment of '']'' with ]. However, the film was cancelled shortly before filming started.<ref>Swires, June 1987 p 28-29</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Metro to Remake 'The Painted Veil'| first=Thomas M.| last=Pryor| date=April 16, 1955| newspaper=The New York Times| id={{ProQuest|113462352}}}}</ref>


Mathews appeared in several episodes of '']'' as well as episodes of '']'' and '']''.<ref>By OSCAR GODBOUT Special to The New York Times. (1956, Jun 02). BRISKIN TO MAKE TV FILMS ON OWN. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/113604691?accountid=13902</ref> Mathews appeared in several episodes of '']'' as well as episodes of '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite news| title=Briskin to Make TV Films on Own| first=Oscar| last=Godbout| date=June 2, 1956| newspaper=The New York Times| id={{ProQuest|113604691}}}}</ref>


Mathews' first sizable role was as ]'s son in '']'' (1957).<ref>By A.H. WEILER. (1956, Oct 21). SCREENING THE LOCAL MOTION PICTURE SCENE. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/113710964?accountid=13902</ref> He was promoted to star for '']'' (1958), a war film produced by ]. Schneer liked the actor's work and cast him in the role of ] in '']'' (1958), directed by ] with effects by ]. The movie was a big success and remains Mathews' most famous film. Juran called Mathews "the epitome of professionalism."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-141/141#page/n56/mode/1up|first=Steve|last=Swires|title=Nathan Juran: The Fantasy Voyages of Jerry the Giant Killer Part One|magazine=Starlog Magazine|issue=141|date= April 1989|pages=62}}</ref> Mathews' first sizable role was as ]'s son in '']'' (1957).<ref>{{cite news| title=Screening the Local Motion Picture Scene| first=A.H.| last=Weiler| date=October 21, 1956| newspaper=The New York Times| id={{ProQuest|113710964}}}}</ref> He was promoted to star for '']'' (1958), a war film produced by ]. Schneer liked the actor's work and cast him in the role of ] in '']'' (1958), directed by ] with effects by ]. The movie was a big success and remains Mathews' most famous film. Juran called Mathews "the epitome of professionalism."<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-141/141#page/n56/mode/1up| first=Steve| last=Swires| title=Nathan Juran: The Fantasy Voyages of Jerry the Giant Killer Part One| magazine=]| issue=141| date=April 1989| page=62}}</ref> He was announced for ''Stop 424'' to be shot in Australia by Columbia but the film was not made.<ref>{{cite news| title=Gene Kelly Plans Comedy on Valet| first=Oscar| last=Godbout| date=September 2, 1958| newspaper=The New York Times| id={{ProQuest|114569805}}}}</ref>


⚫ Mathews co-starred with ] in '']'' (1959), a war film for ], and '']'' (1960) with ] (Mathews replaced ] for the latter).<ref>{{cite news| title=Lee Remick Signs for Murder Film| first=Thomas M.| last=Pryor| date=March 5, 1959| newspaper=The New York Times| id={{ProQuest|114685109}}}}</ref> In ''The Last Blitzkrieg'' Mathews was cast against type as a fanatical Nazi. He did an episode of '']'' and went to Italy to make '']'' (1960) with ]. He was on standby to replace ] on '']'' (1960) when Bogarde was clashing with the director.<ref>Swires, June 1987 p 31.</ref>
He was announced for ''Stop 424'' to be shot in Australia by Columbia<ref>By OSCAR GODBOUTSpecial to The New York Times. (1958, Sep 02). GENE KELLY PLANS COMEDY ON VALET. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/114569805?accountid=13902</ref> but it was not made.


⚫ Schneer cast Mathews in an unofficial follow-up to ''The 7th Voyage of Sinbad'', '']'' (1960), playing the title role, with effects by Harryhausen.<ref>{{cite news| last=Scott| first=John| title=Agile Kerwin Mathews Flexes Muscles as Modern Fairbanks| date=February 14, 1960| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| id={{ProQuest|167663158}}}}</ref> Columbia then put him in a prestigious film, '']'' (1961), billed underneath ] and ].
⚫ Mathews co-starred with ] in '']'' (1959), a war film for ], and '']'' (1960) with ] (Mathews replaced ] for the latter).<ref>By THOMAS M PRYORSpecial to The New York Times. (1959, Mar 05). LEE REMICK SIGNS FOR MURDER FILM. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/114685109?accountid=13902</ref> In ''The Last Blitzkrieg'' Mathews was cast against type, as a fanatical Nazi. He did an episode of '']'' and went to Italy to make '']'' (1960) with ]. He was on stand by to replace ] on '']'' (1960) when Bogarde was clashing with the director.<ref>Swires, June 1987 p 31</ref>

⚫ Schneer cast Mathews in an unofficial follow up to ''The 7th Voyage of Sinbad'', '']'' (1960), playing the title role, with effects by Harryhausen.<ref>Scott, J. (1960, Feb 14). Agile kerwin mathews flexes muscles as modern fairbanks. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167663158?accountid=13902</ref> Columbia then put him in a prestigious film, '']'' (1961), billed underneath ] and ].


Mathews went to England to star in a swashbuckler film for ] released through Columbia, '']'' (1962). ] cast him as '']'' (1962), directed by Juran, an attempt to repeat the success of ''Sinbad'' only without Harryhausen or Schneer. Mathews went to England to star in a swashbuckler film for ] released through Columbia, '']'' (1962). ] cast him as '']'' (1962), directed by Juran, an attempt to repeat the success of ''Sinbad'' only without Harryhausen or Schneer.


Hammer called him back to play the title role in '']'' (1963), a psycho thriller released by Columbia. He then left Columbia. Hammer called him back for '']'' (1963), a psycho thriller released by Columbia. He then left Columbia.


==Freelance actor== == Freelance actor ==
Mathews went to France to play ]'s ] in '']'' (1964). In Hollywood he played ] in the ] two-part telefilm '']'' (1963), which was his favorite role.<ref name="Reisinger"/> Mathews went to France to play ]'s ] in '']'' (1964). In Hollywood, he played ] in the ] two-part telefilm ''The Waltz King'' (1963), which was his favorite role.<ref name="Reisinger" />


He did another OSS 117 film, '']'' (1964), then starred in '']'' (1967), also from a novel by Bruce. In between he starred in a pilot for a TV show that did not go to series, ''Ghostbreakers''. He did another OSS 117 film, '']'' (1964), then starred in '']'' (1967), also from a novel by Bruce. In between, he starred in a pilot for ''Ghost Breakers'', a TV show that did not go to series.


Mathews starred in some low budget films, '']'' (1968), and '']'' (1968). He had supporting parts in '']'' (1969) directed by ] and '']'' (1969), a pilot for a proposed ] series that was not picked up. Mathews starred in some low-budget films, such as '']'' (1968), filmed in England, and '']'' (1968). He had supporting parts in '']'' (1969) directed by ] and ''Dead of Night: A Darkness at Blaisedon'' (1969), a pilot for a proposed series that was not picked up.


==Later career== == Later career ==
Mathews had supporting roles in '']'' (1970), the TV movie ''Death Takes a Holiday'' (1971), and '']'' (1971). He guest starred on '']'' and'' ]''. His last lead was '']'' (1973), directed by Juran. Mathews had supporting roles in '']'' (1970), the TV movie ''Death Takes a Holiday'' (1971), and '']'' (1971). He guest-starred on '']'' and'' ]''. His last lead was '']'' (1973), directed by Juran.


==Retirement and death== == Retirement and death ==
Mathews retired from acting in 1978 and moved to ], where he ran a clothing and ]s shop.<ref name="Reisinger">{{cite news |url=http://www.gazetteextra.com/mathews071707.asp |title=Janesville residents remember famed actor |author=Brian Reisinger |date=July 17, 2007 |newspaper=The Janesville Gazette |accessdate=July 18, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022835/http://www.gazetteextra.com/mathews071707.asp |archivedate=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Mathews died in his sleep in San Francisco on July 5, 2007, at the age of 81. Mathews retired from acting in 1978 and moved to San Francisco, where he ran a clothing and antiques shop.<ref name="Reisinger">{{cite news |url=http://www.gazetteextra.com/mathews071707.asp |title=Janesville residents remember famed actor |first=Brian |last=Reisinger |date=July 17, 2007 |newspaper=] |access-date=July 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022835/http://www.gazetteextra.com/mathews071707.asp |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Mathews died in his sleep in San Francisco on July 5, 2007, at age 81.


He was survived by his partner of 46 years, Tom Nicoll, a British display manager at Harvey Nichols, a British luxury department store, whom he had met in 1961.<ref name=latimes /> He was survived by his partner of 46 years, Tom Nicoll, a British display manager at ], the British luxury department store. The two met in 1961.<ref name=latimes />


==Legacy== == Legacy ==
The city of Janesville renamed a one-block street adjacent to the former Janesville High School "Kerwin Mathews Court". The renovated building now houses the Janesville Performing Arts Center.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazetteextra.com/jcc_strename100907.asp |title=Street to be renamed to honor local actor |author=Ann Fiore |date=October 9, 2007 |newspaper=The Janesville Gazette |accessdate=October 9, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012104052/http://gazetteextra.com/jcc_strename100907.asp |archivedate=October 12, 2007 }}</ref> The city of Janesville renamed a one-block street adjacent to the former Janesville High School as Kerwin Mathews Court. The renovated building houses the Janesville Performing Arts Center.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazetteextra.com/jcc_strename100907.asp |title=Street to be renamed to honor local actor |first=Ann |last=Fiore |date=October 9, 2007 |newspaper=Janesville Gazette |access-date=October 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012104052/http://gazetteextra.com/jcc_strename100907.asp |archive-date=October 12, 2007 }}</ref>


==Filmography== == Filmography ==
{{Col-begin}} {{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}} {{Col-break}}

===Film=== === Film ===
*'']'' (1955) - Reporter (uncredited)
*'']'' (1955) - Ronnie *'']'' (1955) – Reporter (uncredited)
*'']'' (1957) - Alan Mitchell *'']'' (1955) – Ronnie
*'']'' (1958) - Sgt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Sloan *'']'' (1957) – Alan Mitchell
*'']'' (1958) - Sinbad *'']'' (1958) – Sgt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Sloan
*'']'' (1959) - Wilitz *'']'' (1958) – Sinbad
*'']'' (1960) - Bob Avery *'']'' (1959) – Wilitz
*'']'' (1960) - Phaon *'']'' (1960) – Bob Avery
*'']'' (1960) - Dr. Lemuel Gulliver *'']'' (1960) – Phaon
*'']'' (1961) - Father Joseph Perreau *'']'' (1960) – Dr. Lemuel Gulliver
*'']'' (1962) - Jonathon Standing *'']'' (1961) – Father Joseph Perreau
*'']'' (1962) - Jack *'']'' (1962) – Jonathon Standing
*'']'' (1963) - Jeff Farrell *'']'' (1962) – Jack
*'']'' (1963, ‡) - Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, alias OSS 117 *'']'' (1963) – Jeff Farrell
*'']'' (1964, ‡) - Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath / OSS 117 / Tony Burt *'']'' (1963, ‡) – Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, alias OSS 117
*'']'' (1964, ‡) – Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath / OSS 117 / Tony Burt
*''{{Interlanguage link multi|Le vicomte règle ses comptes|fr|3=Le vicomte règle ses comptes|lt=The Viscount}}'' (1967) - Clint de la Roche, le Vicomte
*'']'' (1967) - Cmdr. Jonathan Shaw * '']'' (1967) – Clint de la Roche, le Vicomte
*'']'' (1968) - Mark *'']'' (1967) – Cmdr. Jonathan Shaw
*'']'' (1969) - Mr. Christian *'']'' (1968) – Mark
*'']'' (1970) - Marquette *'']'' (1969) – Mr. Christian
*'']'' (1971) - Dr. Rick Torres *'']'' (1970) – Marquette
*'']'' (1973) - Robert Bridgestone *'']'' (1971) – Dr. Rick Torres
*'']'' (1973) – Robert Bridgestone
*'']'' (1978) - Prince Zaroff (final film role) *'']'' (1978) – Prince Zaroff (final film role)


‡ '']'' film ‡ '']'' film
{{Col-break}} {{Col-break}}


===Television=== === Television ===
*'']'' *'']''
**''The Escape of Mr Proteus'' (1954) - Major Caldwell **''The Escape of Mr Proteus'' (1954) – Major Caldwell
*'']'' *'']''
**''Charlie C company'' (1954) - Lt. Norton **''Charlie C company'' (1954) – Lt. Norton
**''The Lady in the Wind'' (1955) - Ivor **''The Lady in the Wind'' (1955) – Ivor
**''Catch at Straws'' (1956) - Fred Karns **''Catch at Straws'' (1956) – Fred Karns
*'']'' *'']''
**''The Country Husband'' (1956) - Clay Farrell **''The Country Husband'' (1956) – Clay Farrell
*'']'' *'']''
**''Show of Strength'' (1957) **''Show of Strength'' (1957)
**''The Suicide Club'' (1958) **''The Suicide Club'' (1958)
*'']'' *'']''
**''The Obenauf Story'' (1959, †) - Lieutenant James Obenauf **''The Obenauf Story'' (1959, †) – Lieutenant James Obenauf
*'']'' *'']''
**''{{Interlanguage link multi|The Waltz King (Disney)|de|3=Liebe im 3/4-Takt|lt=The Waltz King}}'' (1963) (two parts) - Johann Strauss Jr. **''The Waltz King'' (1963) (two parts) – Johann Strauss Jr.
*''Ghostbreaker'' (1967, TV Movie, †) - Dr. Barnaby Cross *''Ghostbreaker'' (1967, TV Movie, †) – Dr. Barnaby Cross
*''Dead of Night: A Darkness at Blaisedon'' (1969, TV Movie, †) - Jonathan Fletcher *''Dead of Night: A Darkness at Blaisedon'' (1969, TV movie, †) – Jonathan Fletcher
*'']'' *'']''
*''Death Takes a Holiday'' (1971, TV Movie) - Senator Earl Chapman, Jr. *''Death Takes a Holiday'' (1971, TV Movie) – Senator Earl Chapman, Jr.
**"Hey, Buddy, Can You Spare a Life?" (1972) - Eric Oates **"Hey, Buddy, Can You Spare a Life?" (1972) – Eric Oates
**"Achilles' Heel" (1972) - Paul Arnstein **"Achilles' Heel" (1972) – Paul Arnstein


† Pilots for unsold series † Pilots for unsold series
{{col-end}} {{col-end}}


==References== == References ==

{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==Notes== == Notes ==
*{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-119/119#page/n27/mode/1up|magazine=Starlog|issue=119|title=Kerwin Mathews: The Perilous Voyages of Sinbad Part One|first=Steve|last=Swires|date=June 1987|pages=28–64}} *{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-119/119#page/n27/mode/1up|magazine=Starlog|issue=119|title=Kerwin Mathews: The Perilous Voyages of Sinbad Part One|first=Steve|last=Swires|date=June 1987|pages=28–64}}
*{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-120/120#page/n66/mode/1up|title=Kerwin Mathews: Confessions of a Giant Killer Part Two|pages=67–70|first=Steve|last=Swires|magazine=Starlog|date=July 1987|issue=120}} *{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-120/120#page/n66/mode/1up|title=Kerwin Mathews: Confessions of a Giant Killer Part Two|pages=67–70|first=Steve|last=Swires|magazine=Starlog|date=July 1987|issue=120}}


==External links== == External links ==
{{commons category}}
*{{IMDb name|0558663}} *{{IMDb name|0558663}}
* * at Brian's Drive-In Theater
* *


Line 132: Line 132:
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
⚫ ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
]
⚫ ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 06:21, 7 January 2025

American actor (1926–2007)

Kerwin Mathews
Mathews as Jack the Giant Killer
Born(1926-01-08)January 8, 1926
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
DiedJuly 5, 2007(2007-07-05) (aged 81)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1954–1978
PartnerTom Nicoll (1961–2007; his death)

Kerwin Mathews (January 8, 1926 – July 5, 2007) was an American actor best known for playing the titular heroes in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), The Three Worlds of Gulliver (1960), and Jack the Giant Killer (1962).

Early life

Mathews was born on January 8, 1926, in Seattle, Washington, and was two years old when he moved with his divorced mother to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he attended Janesville High School, graduating in 1943. Mathews said that "a kind high school teacher put me in a play, and that changed my life."

After serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II as a pilot and swimming instructor, he attended and performed at nearby Milton College for two years before transferring to Beloit College on drama and music scholarships. He remained at Beloit three years after graduation, teaching speech and dramatic arts, and appeared in regional theater. He also taught high school English in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Columbia Pictures

After moving to Los Angeles in 1954, Mathews acted at the Pasadena Playhouse, including a production of William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors. While there he met the head of casting for Columbia Pictures, leading to a seven-year studio contract.

One of his first roles was in the episode "The Escape of Mr. Proteus" in Space Patrol. He had an uncredited bit in Cell 2455, Death Row (1955) for Columbia. His first credited film role was in 5 Against the House (1955), an early role for Kim Novak. His pay was $200 per week. Mathews then was cast in the title role of a treatment of Joseph and his Brothers with Rita Hayworth. However, the film was cancelled shortly before filming started.

Mathews appeared in several episodes of The Ford Television Theatre as well as episodes of Playhouse 90 and Matinee Theatre.

Mathews' first sizable role was as Lee J. Cobb's son in The Garment Jungle (1957). He was promoted to star for Tarawa Beachhead (1958), a war film produced by Charles Schneer. Schneer liked the actor's work and cast him in the role of Sinbad in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), directed by Nathan Juran with effects by Ray Harryhausen. The movie was a big success and remains Mathews' most famous film. Juran called Mathews "the epitome of professionalism." He was announced for Stop 424 to be shot in Australia by Columbia but the film was not made.

Mathews co-starred with Van Johnson in The Last Blitzkrieg (1959), a war film for Sam Katzman, and Man on a String (1960) with Ernest Borgnine (Mathews replaced Cliff Robertson for the latter). In The Last Blitzkrieg Mathews was cast against type as a fanatical Nazi. He did an episode of Goodyear Theatre and went to Italy to make The Warrior Empress (1960) with Tina Louise. He was on standby to replace Dirk Bogarde on Song Without End (1960) when Bogarde was clashing with the director.

Schneer cast Mathews in an unofficial follow-up to The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, The 3 Worlds of Gulliver (1960), playing the title role, with effects by Harryhausen. Columbia then put him in a prestigious film, The Devil at 4 O'Clock (1961), billed underneath Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy.

Mathews went to England to star in a swashbuckler film for Hammer Films released through Columbia, The Pirates of Blood River (1962). Edward Small cast him as Jack the Giant Killer (1962), directed by Juran, an attempt to repeat the success of Sinbad only without Harryhausen or Schneer.

Hammer called him back for Maniac (1963), a psycho thriller released by Columbia. He then left Columbia.

Freelance actor

Mathews went to France to play Jean Bruce's OSS 117 in OSS 117 se déchaîne (1964). In Hollywood, he played Johann Strauss Jr. in the Disney two-part telefilm The Waltz King (1963), which was his favorite role.

He did another OSS 117 film, Panic in Bangkok (1964), then starred in The Viscount (1967), also from a novel by Bruce. In between, he starred in a pilot for Ghost Breakers, a TV show that did not go to series.

Mathews starred in some low-budget films, such as Battle Beneath the Earth (1968), filmed in England, and The Killer Likes Candy (1968). He had supporting parts in A Boy... a Girl (1969) directed by John Derek and Dead of Night: A Darkness at Blaisedon (1969), a pilot for a proposed series that was not picked up.

Later career

Mathews had supporting roles in Barquero (1970), the TV movie Death Takes a Holiday (1971), and Octaman (1971). He guest-starred on General Hospital and Ironside. His last lead was The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (1973), directed by Juran.

Retirement and death

Mathews retired from acting in 1978 and moved to San Francisco, where he ran a clothing and antiques shop. Mathews died in his sleep in San Francisco on July 5, 2007, at age 81.

He was survived by his partner of 46 years, Tom Nicoll, a British display manager at Harvey Nichols, the British luxury department store. The two met in 1961.

Legacy

The city of Janesville renamed a one-block street adjacent to the former Janesville High School as Kerwin Mathews Court. The renovated building houses the Janesville Performing Arts Center.

Filmography

Film

‡ OSS 117 film

Television

  • Space Patrol
    • The Escape of Mr Proteus (1954) – Major Caldwell
  • Ford Theatre
    • Charlie C company (1954) – Lt. Norton
    • The Lady in the Wind (1955) – Ivor
    • Catch at Straws (1956) – Fred Karns
  • Playhouse 90
    • The Country Husband (1956) – Clay Farrell
  • Matinee Theatre
    • Show of Strength (1957)
    • The Suicide Club (1958)
  • Goodyear Television Playhouse
    • The Obenauf Story (1959, †) – Lieutenant James Obenauf
  • Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
    • The Waltz King (1963) (two parts) – Johann Strauss Jr.
  • Ghostbreaker (1967, TV Movie, †) – Dr. Barnaby Cross
  • Dead of Night: A Darkness at Blaisedon (1969, TV movie, †) – Jonathan Fletcher
  • Ironside
  • Death Takes a Holiday (1971, TV Movie) – Senator Earl Chapman, Jr.
    • "Hey, Buddy, Can You Spare a Life?" (1972) – Eric Oates
    • "Achilles' Heel" (1972) – Paul Arnstein

† Pilots for unsold series

References

  1. Bergan, Ronald (September 3, 2007). "Kerwin Mathews: Actor who crossed swords with animation". The Guardian. London. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  2. ^ "Kerwin Mathews, 81; fantasy film hero". Los Angeles Times. July 10, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2007.
  3. Von Blon, Katherine (August 5, 1953). "'Comedy Of Errors' Offered At Playhouse". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 166511726.
  4. "Ann Miller to Co-Star". The New York Times. October 16, 1954. ProQuest 113029585.
  5. Swires, June 1987 p 28-29
  6. Pryor, Thomas M. (April 16, 1955). "Metro to Remake 'The Painted Veil'". The New York Times. ProQuest 113462352.
  7. Godbout, Oscar (June 2, 1956). "Briskin to Make TV Films on Own". The New York Times. ProQuest 113604691.
  8. Weiler, A.H. (October 21, 1956). "Screening the Local Motion Picture Scene". The New York Times. ProQuest 113710964.
  9. Swires, Steve (April 1989). "Nathan Juran: The Fantasy Voyages of Jerry the Giant Killer Part One". Starlog. No. 141. p. 62.
  10. Godbout, Oscar (September 2, 1958). "Gene Kelly Plans Comedy on Valet". The New York Times. ProQuest 114569805.
  11. Pryor, Thomas M. (March 5, 1959). "Lee Remick Signs for Murder Film". The New York Times. ProQuest 114685109.
  12. Swires, June 1987 p 31.
  13. Scott, John (February 14, 1960). "Agile Kerwin Mathews Flexes Muscles as Modern Fairbanks". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 167663158.
  14. ^ Reisinger, Brian (July 17, 2007). "Janesville residents remember famed actor". Janesville Gazette. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  15. Fiore, Ann (October 9, 2007). "Street to be renamed to honor local actor". Janesville Gazette. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2007.

Notes

External links

Categories: