Don DeFore American actor Date of Birth: 25.08.1913 Country: USA

1. Biography of Don DeFore
2. Television Career
3. Business Ventures
4. Later Career and Personal Life
5. Friendship with Ronald Reagan
6. Death and Legacy

Biography of Don DeFore

Don DeFore was an American actor, best known for his roles as "regular guys" in films of the 1940s and 1950s. He was born Donald DeFore on August 25, 1913, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Joseph Ervin DeFore, a railroad engineer, and Albina Sylvia Nezerka.

Television Career

DeFore gained most of his fame through his work on television. He made his debut on the small screen in 1952, playing the character Thorny in the comedy series "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet". On May 6, 1953, he appeared on the television show "This Is Your Life", which surprised him as he was expecting to film another episode of "Ozzie and Harriet". DeFore calmly proceeded with the program and took part in the main part of the show.

DeFore also had a series of radio drama roles on stations like the Mutual Broadcasting System, National Broadcasting Company, and Columbia Broadcasting System. From 1954 to 1955, he served as the president of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, overseeing the preparations for the first national telecast of the Emmy Awards ceremony on March 7, 1955. He was also nominated for an Emmy in 1955 for Best Supporting Actor in a Regular Series for his role in "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet".

Business Ventures

From 1957 to 1962, DeFore co-owned a barbecue restaurant called "Don DeFore's Silver Banjo Barbecue" in Frontierland, Disneyland. He and his younger brother, Verne DeFore, were the only individuals allowed to open their own independent establishment within one of Walt Disney's parks.

Later Career and Personal Life

In 1961, DeFore landed the role of Mr. B in the television series "Hazel" alongside Shirley Booth and Whitney Blake. The show was successfully broadcast for five years, but DeFore did not participate in the final season. He married Marion Holmes, a singer who performed with Henry Busse's orchestra and Art Kassel's band, in 1942. They had five children together: Penny, David, Dawn, Ron, and Amy.

Friendship with Ronald Reagan

Don DeFore was a close friend of actor and future President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. On October 15, 1966, DeFore helped launch Reagan's political career by hosting his pre-election rally live on television. Reagan's successful campaign for governor can be attributed in part to DeFore's support.

Death and Legacy

Don DeFore passed away on December 22, 1993, at the age of 80. He is buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles. Throughout his career, DeFore appeared in a total of 73 films and television series, with his final role being in 1987.