Buck Kartalian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buck Kartalian
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Publicity Photo of Buck Kartalian
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| Born |
Vahe Kartalian
August 13, 1922 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | May 24, 2016 (aged 93) Mission Hills, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor, wrestler |
| Years active | 1953–2006 |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Evonne Bannister (m. 1952; div. 1957) Margaret Poloshjian
(m. 1959; |
| Children | 3 |
Vahe "Buck" Kartalian (August 13, 1922 – May 24, 2016) was an American professional wrestler and a special kind of actor called a character actor. A character actor is someone who often plays unusual or interesting supporting roles, rather than the main hero.
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About Buck Kartalian
Buck Kartalian was born on August 13, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were immigrants from Armenia. He grew up with four sisters and one brother. When Buck was two years old, his family moved to New York City. His father, who was a baker, passed away when Buck was 11.
Serving His Country
During World War II, Buck Kartalian joined the United States Navy. He served on a destroyer ship in the Pacific Ocean. After the war, he returned home.
From Wrestling to Acting
Buck first became known as a bodybuilder and a professional wrestler. He was even called the "Hell's Kitchen Roughneck." He competed in wrestling matches all over the country.
One day, some people who produced plays on Broadway noticed him. They thought he would be great for acting! Buck decided to become an actor, even though he never took any acting classes.
Buck's Acting Career
Buck Kartalian appeared in many plays on Broadway. These included One More River (1960) and Golden Fleecing (1959). He also played Sampson in Romeo and Juliet (1951).
He acted in more than 70 movies and TV shows. His career lasted from 1953 until he retired in 2006.
Famous Movie Roles
Buck is probably best known for his roles in the Planet of the Apes movies.
- In the first movie (1968), he played Julius. Julius was a strong gorilla who guarded the humans.
- Later, he played another gorilla named Frank in the third movie, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972).
He also had memorable parts in other popular films:
- A sailor in Mister Roberts (1955).
- A prisoner in Cool Hand Luke (1967).
- A shopkeeper in The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976).
- A reverend in The Rock (1996).
Television Appearances
Buck Kartalian was also a familiar face on television. He appeared in many different shows, such as:
- Naked City
- The Untouchables
- Get Smart
- The Munsters
- Batman
- Friends (where he played Frankie in one episode).
He also had a regular role as Bruce W. Wolf in the TV show Monster Squad (1976).
Buck's Family Life
On January 9, 1952, Buck Kartalian married Mary Evonne Bannister. Their wedding was special because it happened on the set of the play Mr. Roberts. Buck was acting in the play at the time. They later divorced.
In 1959, Buck married Margaret Poloshjian. They had three children together: Aram, Julie, and Jason. His son, Jason Kartalian, grew up to become a film producer and director.
Buck Kartalian passed away on May 24, 2016. He was 93 years old and died in a hospital in Mission Hills, California.
