Hayden Rorke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hayden Rorke William H. Rorke
Rorke as Dr. Bellows on I Dream of Jeannie
Born	William Henry Rorke (1910-10-23)October 23, 1910 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died	August 19, 1987(1987-08-19) (aged 76) Toluca Lake, California, U.S.
Resting place	Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, U.S.
Years active	1943–1985
Partner(s)	Justus Addiss
Parent(s)	Margaret Hayden Rorke (mother)

Hayden Rorke was an American actor. He is best known for playing Colonel Alfred E. Bellows on the popular 1960s TV show I Dream of Jeannie. His real name was William Henry Rorke. He was born on October 23, 1910, and passed away on August 19, 1987.

Early Life and Education

Hayden Rorke was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1910. His mother, Margaret Hayden Rorke, was also an actress. Hayden took his stage name from his mother's maiden name.

He attended Brooklyn Preparatory School, a Jesuit school. There, he was very active in school groups, leading the Dramatics Society and the Student Government. He then studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He began his acting career on stage in the 1930s.

Service in World War II

During World War II, Rorke joined the United States Army. While serving, he made his first film appearance. It was in the musical This Is the Army, which starred Ronald Reagan. Rorke was not officially credited for his small roles in the film.

Acting Career Highlights

After his military service, Rorke continued his acting career. He appeared in many films, often in supporting roles. Some of his early credited films included Rope of Sand and Sword in the Desert. He also had small, uncredited parts in famous movies like An American in Paris.

Rorke also became a familiar face on television. He played a crooked businessman in two episodes of The Lone Ranger. In 1957, he was a regular cast member in the TV series Mr. Adams and Eve.

Guest Roles on Television

Hayden Rorke appeared as a guest star on many popular TV shows. These included I Love Lucy, The Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, and The Beverly Hillbillies. He also appeared in three episodes of Perry Mason.

Starring in I Dream of Jeannie

Rorke is most famous for his role as Dr. Alfred Bellows in the TV sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. Dr. Bellows was a NASA medical officer. He was always trying to understand why astronaut Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) acted so strangely. Dr. Bellows never figured out that Tony had a genie living with him. This often made Dr. Bellows look silly to his bosses.

Rorke's last film role was playing Dr. Bellows again. This was in the TV reunion movie I Dream of Jeannie... Fifteen Years Later in 1985.

Return to the Stage

In the early 1980s, Rorke returned to live theater. He performed in plays like The Pleasure of His Company and Mr. Roberts.

Later Life and Passing

Barbara Eden, who starred with Rorke in I Dream of Jeannie, spoke highly of him. She described him as a "prince" and a good friend. She said he always kept the spirits of the cast high, even during tough times.

Hayden Rorke passed away from multiple myeloma at his home in Toluca Lake in 1987. He was 76 years old. He was survived by his two brothers.

Television Appearances

• The Lone Ranger (1950) 1x35 "Bullets for Ballots"
• I Love Lucy (1952) 1x21 New Neighbors as Tom O'Brien
• The Burns and Allen Show (1957) 7x21 "Going to Palm Springs" as a psychologist
• Mr. Adams and Eve (1957–1958) regular cast as Steve
• Perry Mason (1960) 3x26 "The Case of the Flighty Father" as Jay Holbrook and (1961) 4x24 "The Case of the Violent Vest" as Walter Caffrey
• Target: The Corruptors! (1961) 1x11 "Silent Partner" as Smith, (1962) 1x30 License to Steal
• The Beverly Hillbillies (1963) 1x36 "Jethro's Friend" as Wilkins
• I Dream of Jeannie (1965-1970) regular cast as Dr. Alfred Bellows
• Cannon (1975) 5x02 "The Deadly Conspiracy" as Knox
• The Love Boat (1977) 1x08 "The Understudy" as Mr. Humbertson

Partial Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Hayden Rorke para niños