Don Porter American actor Date of Birth: 24.09.1912 Country: USA

Biography of Don Porter

Don Porter was an American actor born on September 24, 1912, in Miami, Oklahoma. He started his acting career in the late 1930s and appeared in several films of the 1940s, including the crime drama "Top Sergeant" directed by Christy Cabanne and the war drama "Eagle Squadron" directed by Arthur Lubin. However, Porter is best known for his role as widower Russell Lawrence, the father of 15-year-old Frances 'Gidget' Lawrence portrayed by actress Sally Field, in the ABC television series "Gidget."

In the 1950s, Porter earned a leading role as Peter Sands, the boss of Susan Camille MacNamara played by Ann Sothern, in the sitcom "Private Secretary." The show was later revamped and renamed "The Ann Sothern Show." As a guest star, Porter went on to appear in various other television series such as "Green Acres," "Love, American Style," "The Mod Squad," "Barnaby Jones," "Hawaii Five-O," and "Switch."

In 1975, Porter portrayed George Robinson in the television drama "The Legend of Lizzie Borden." His filmography also includes the film noir "The Turning Point" in 1952, the comedy "Our Miss Brooks" in 1956 with Eve Arden, and the dramedy "Gidget Goes to Rome" in 1963. Two years after his role in "Gidget Goes to Rome," Porter reprised his character Russell Lawrence in the television series "Gidget."

In 1974, Porter played Mr. Upson in the musical "Mame" directed by Gene Saks, and his final appearance was in an episode of the series "CBS Summer Playhouse" in 1988. Porter was married to actress Peggy Converse and they had two children together. He passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Beverly Hills, California, on February 11, 1997.