Gregory Walcott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gregory Walcott
Walcott in Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957)
Born	Bernard Wasdon Mattox (1928-01-13)January 13, 1928 Wendell, North Carolina, U.S.
Died	March 20, 2015(2015-03-20) (aged 87) Canoga Park, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names	Greg Walcott
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1952–1994
Spouse(s)	Barbara May Watkins ​ ​ (m. 1954; died 2010)​
Children	3

Gregory Walcott (born Bernard Wasdon Mattox, January 13, 1928 – March 20, 2015) was a well-known American actor. He appeared in many movies and TV shows. People often remember him for his roles in the 1957 film Plan 9 from Outer Space and the 1994 movie Ed Wood.

Early Life and Military Service

Gregory Walcott was born Bernard Wasdon Mattox in Wendell, North Carolina, on January 13, 1928. He grew up in Wilson, North Carolina. Walcott served in the United States Army. He was a soldier during the end of World War II and also during the Korean War.

Acting Career Highlights

While serving in the United States Army, Gregory Walcott started acting. He often played military roles in films. For example, he was a Marine drill instructor in Battle Cry (1955) and The Outsider (1961). He also appeared in Mister Roberts (1955) and Midway (1976).

Walcott also acted in many Western movies. His first Western role was in Red Skies of Montana (1952). Later, he played a gunslinger in Texas Lady (1955).

Television Roles

Gregory Walcott had many roles on television. He appeared in popular Western TV shows like Bonanza seven times. He also acted in Maverick, Wagon Train, and Rawhide. Working on Rawhide led to a long friendship with actor Clint Eastwood.

Walcott also guest-starred in other TV series. He was in an episode of Perry Mason in 1959. From 1961 to 1962, he starred as Detective Roger Havilland in the show 87th Precinct. He also appeared in CHiPs, Dennis the Menace, and Land of the Lost. Walcott had recurring roles in the original Dallas and Murder, She Wrote. In 1984, he played Big Jake Hunnicutt in an episode of Alice.

Film Appearances

Walcott acted in many different types of movies. These included the comedy On the Double (1961) and Captain Newman, M.D. (1963). He also appeared in Prime Cut (1972) and The Last American Hero (1973).

He worked with Clint Eastwood in several films. These include Joe Kidd (1972), Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974), The Eiger Sanction (1975), and Every Which Way But Loose (1978).

In 1979, Walcott played a sheriff in the movie Norma Rae. His final movie role was a small appearance in the 1994 film Ed Wood. This movie was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp.

Walcott was famous for his role in Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957). This movie is often called one of the worst films ever made. Walcott once said, "It's better to be remembered for something than for nothing, don't you think?"

Personal Life and Family

Gregory Walcott married Barbara May Watkins in 1954. They had three children: one son and two daughters. They were married for 55 years. Barbara passed away in 2010.

Gregory Walcott died on March 20, 2015, at his home in Canoga Park, California. He was 87 years old. He was buried next to his wife in Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, California. His grave uses his birth name, Bernard Mattox.

Film and Television Roles

Here are some of the movies and TV shows Gregory Walcott appeared in: