Rick Jason American theater, film and TV actor Date of Birth: 21.05.1923 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Acting Career
3. Film and Television Success
4. Later Years and Personal Life
5. Tragic End

Early Life and Education

Rick Jason, born Richard Jacobson in 1923, was the only child of a well-to-do family in New York City. Despite his father's desire to see him enter the stock market, young Rick opted for the army. After graduating from Rhodes Preparatory School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

Acting Career

Jason began acting while studying drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. During a student production, he caught the attention of Hume Cronyn, who cast him in the play "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep." This performance earned Jason his first Theater World Award and led to a contract with Columbia Pictures.

Film and Television Success

In 1953, Jason made his film debut in "Sombrero." He went on to appear in notable films such as "The Saracen Blade" and "This Is My Love." In 1957, his critically acclaimed role in "The Wayward Bus" brought him widespread recognition and audience adoration.

Jason's television career also flourished. He starred as Robin Scott, the first television character to use karate, in "The Case of the Dangerous Robin." He also portrayed Lt. Gil Hanley in the series "Combat!" In the 1970s, he gained popularity in the soap opera "The Young and the Restless" and the crime dramas "Matt Houston" and "Murder, She Wrote."

Later Years and Personal Life

In his later years, Jason returned to theater and occasionally provided voiceover work. He was married five times, including to Cindy Jason from 1983 until his death.

Tragic End

On October 16, 2000, Rick Jason took his own life at his home in Moorpark, California. His autobiography, "Scrapbooks of My Mind," was published posthumously.