Fred Gwynne facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fred Gwynne
Gwynne in Car 54, Where Are You?, 1961
Born	Frederick Hubbard Gwynne (1926-07-10)July 10, 1926 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	July 2, 1993(1993-07-02) (aged 66) Taneytown, Maryland, U.S.
Resting place	Sandy Mount United Methodist Church Cemetery, Finksburg, Maryland
Alma mater	Harvard University
Occupation	Actor artist writer
Years active	1951–1993
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Spouse(s)	Jean Reynard ​ ​ (m. 1952; div. 1980)​ Deborah Flater ​ (m. 1988)​
Children	5

Frederick Hubbard Gwynne (July 10, 1926 – July 2, 1993) was a tall American actor, artist, and author. He was famous for playing funny characters on TV in the 1960s. You might know him best as Francis Muldoon in Car 54, Where Are You? or as the lovable giant Herman Munster in The Munsters. Later in his career, he also appeared in popular movies like Pet Sematary and My Cousin Vinny.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Ficken, Gwynne's mother, in 1917

Fred Gwynne was born in New York City on July 10, 1926. His father, Frederick Walker Gwynne, worked in finance. His mother, Dorothy Ficken Gwynne, was a talented artist before she got married.

Even though he was born in New York, Fred spent much of his childhood in places like South Carolina, Florida, and Colorado. This was because his father traveled a lot for work. Fred also had two siblings, Dorothy and Bowers, who sadly passed away when they were young.

During World War II, Fred served in the United States Navy. He worked as a radioman on a special ship that hunted submarines. After the war, he used a program called the G.I. Bill to study art. Later, he went to Harvard University and graduated in 1951. While at Harvard, he was very active! He sang in a group called the Harvard Krokodiloes, drew cartoons for the Harvard Lampoon magazine, and acted in plays.

Acting Career Highlights

After college, Fred Gwynne moved to New York City to start his acting career. His first role on Broadway was in a comedy called Mrs. McThing in 1952. He even appeared in a small, uncredited role in the famous movie On the Waterfront in 1954.

Becoming a TV Star

Fred Gwynne became well-known for his comedic timing. The writer and producer Nat Hiken noticed his talent. This led to Fred being cast in the TV show Car 54, Where Are You? He played Patrolman Francis Muldoon, a kind and often confused police officer.

His height, which was 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters), helped him get his most famous role: Herman Munster in The Munsters. Herman was a funny, friendly character who looked like Frankenstein's monster. To play Herman, Fred had to wear heavy padding, lots of makeup, and special boots that made him even taller. His face was painted bright violet so it would look good on black-and-white TV. Fred loved playing Herman and often said, "I love old Herman Munster."

Gwynne (right) as Herman Munster, sharing a toast with Al Lewis (Grandpa) while Beverley Owen (Marilyn) looks on

Life After Herman Munster

After The Munsters, Fred Gwynne found it hard to get new roles because people only saw him as Herman. This is called being "typecast." For a couple of years, he didn't get many film roles.

However, he found success acting in plays across the United States. He also appeared in a TV version of Arsenic and Old Lace in 1969. Interestingly, the character he played was originally performed by Boris Karloff, who was famous for playing Frankenstein's monster!

Fred Gwynne was also a good singer. He sang in a TV production called The Littlest Angel in 1969. He continued to act in many different plays and TV shows. From 1975 to 1982, he was in 82 episodes of a popular radio drama series called the CBS Radio Mystery Theater.

Later Film Roles

Fred Gwynne made a strong comeback in movies later in his career. He played Jud Crandall in the horror film Pet Sematary. His character's voice and look were even based on the author of the book, Stephen King. This character has been used in the animated show South Park many times.

He also appeared in other movies like The Cotton Club, Fatal Attraction, and The Secret of My Success. Even though he didn't like being typecast, he agreed to play Herman Munster again for a TV movie called The Munsters' Revenge in 1981. His very last movie role was as Judge Chamberlain Haller in the funny 1992 film My Cousin Vinny.

Artist and Author

Besides acting, Fred Gwynne was a talented artist and writer. He wrote and illustrated several children's books. These books often played on how children sometimes misunderstand words. For example, in A Chocolate Moose for Dinner, a child hears "chocolate mousse" but imagines a "chocolate moose" at the dinner table! Other books with this fun idea included The King Who Rained and A Little Pigeon Toad.

His books were praised by critics and became popular over time. He also used his voice for TV and radio commercials. Later in his life, he even had art shows to display his paintings.

Personal Life

In 1952, Fred Gwynne married Jean Reynard. They had five children together: Kieron, Gaynor, Evan, Dylan, and Madyn. Sadly, their son Dylan died when he was very young. Fred and Jean later divorced in 1980.

In 1988, Fred married his second wife, Deborah Flater. They were married until he passed away.

Death

Fred Gwynne died on July 2, 1993, just eight days before his 67th birthday. He passed away from complications related to pancreatic cancer at his home in Taneytown, Maryland. He is buried in an unmarked grave in Finksburg, Maryland.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theatre Roles

See also

In Spanish: Fred Gwynne para niños