Frank Sutton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Sutton
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Sutton in a 1969 publicity photo
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| Born |
Frank Spencer Sutton
October 23, 1923 Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.
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| Died | June 28, 1974 (aged 50) Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
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| Resting place | Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Columbia University (BS) |
| Television | Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. |
| Spouse(s) | Toby M. Igler (m.1946–his death) |
| Children | 2 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards |  Bronze Star Purple Heart |
Frank Spencer Sutton (born October 23, 1923 – died June 28, 1974) was an American actor. He is best known for playing Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on the popular CBS television show Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C..
Contents
Frank Sutton's Early Life and Military Service
Frank Sutton was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. From a young age, he loved acting. He performed in his first play when he was just nine years old. Later, he joined the drama club at East Nashville High School, graduating in 1941. Frank once said, "The first time I walked out on a stage, I had a warm feeling. I knew then I wanted to be an actor."
After high school, Frank worked as a radio announcer in Clarksville. When World War II began, he wanted to serve his country. He tried to join the U.S. Marine Corps, but he was not accepted because he was colorblind. Instead, he joined the U.S. Army. He served from 1943 to 1946 in the South Pacific. He was a sergeant and took part in 14 important landings. For his bravery, he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Frank Sutton's Acting Career
After the war, Frank Sutton was honorably discharged from the Army. He then started his acting career on stage. He went to Columbia University School of General Studies and earned a degree in drama in 1952. He graduated with honors.
Early Roles in Television and Film
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Frank Sutton appeared in many TV shows. He had small roles in popular series like Route 66, Naked City, Gunsmoke, and The Twilight Zone. He also had a regular role as Cadet Eric Rattison in Tom Corbett, Space Cadet from 1950 to 1955.
In 1955, Frank got a bigger role in the movie Marty, which won an Academy Award. He played Ralph, the main character's friend. He also appeared in the 1965 spy movie The Satan Bug.
Becoming Gunnery Sergeant Carter
Frank Sutton's most famous role came in 1964. He appeared in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show called "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." In this episode, he played the tough but funny Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter. He acted opposite Jim Nabors, who played Gomer Pyle.
This episode was so popular that it became its own TV show, Gomer Pyle, USMC. Frank continued to play Sergeant Carter for five seasons, until the show ended in 1969. His character was known for being easily annoyed by Gomer Pyle's innocent ways, which made for many funny moments.
After Gomer Pyle finished, Frank Sutton often appeared on Jim Nabors' variety show, The Jim Nabors Hour. He performed comedy sketches with Nabors and his Gomer Pyle co-star Ronnie Schell. Frank also acted in dinner theater plays and made guest appearances on other TV programs.
Frank Sutton's Family and Final Years
In 1946, Frank Sutton married Toby M. Igler, who was a writer for soap operas. They had two children together, a son named Joe Sutton and a daughter named Amanda.
Frank Sutton passed away on June 28, 1974. He was preparing for a play called Luv in Shreveport, Louisiana, when he had a heart attack. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in his hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee.
Images for kids
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Sutton in a 1969 publicity photo
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Frank Sutton and Jim Nabors at the Gomer Pyle premiere in 1964.
See also
- List of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. characters
- List of people from Tennessee
