Ted Bessell American actor and director Date of Birth: 20.03.1935 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Rise to Fame with "That Girl"
3. Journey Beyond "That Girl"
4. Directorial Pursuits
5. Personal Life

Early Life and Career

Ted Bessell, born in Flushing, New York in 1935, exhibited musical prowess as a child, performing piano concertos at Carnegie Hall by age 12. Despite considering a career in the clergy, his passion for theater ultimately prevailed. After graduating from the University of Colorado in 1958, he pursued acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse, honing his skills in dance and movement under Martha Graham and Louis Horst.

Rise to Fame with "That Girl"

Bessell's early stage appearances included roles in "The Power of Darkness" and "Crimes of Passion." His on-screen debut came in minor parts in the 1960s films "Lover Come Back" and "The Outsider." Breakthrough came in 1966 with his portrayal of Donald "Don" Hollinger in the sitcom "That Girl." The show's five-season run and 134 episodes brought Bessell immense popularity.

Journey Beyond "That Girl"

While attempting to replicate his success with "Me and the Chimp" in 1972, Bessell ventured into Broadway with "Same Time, Next Year." Throughout his career, he appeared in films such as "Don't Drink the Water" and "The Acorn People," as well as television dramas like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do."

Directorial Pursuits

In addition to acting, Bessell directed episodes of "That Girl." Post-acting, he transitioned into full-time directing, helming episodes of "The Tracey Ullman Show," "Sibs," and "A League of Their Own."

Personal Life

Bessell was married three times to Janeen Darrah, exotic dancer Donna Gordon, and Linnell Nobori, with whom he had two children. He passed away on October 6, 1996, from a heart attack and is interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, California.