Mark Slade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Slade
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Slade as Billy Blue Cannon in The High Chaparral (1968)
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Mark Van Blarcom Slade
May 1, 1939 Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Years active | 1961–present |
| Spouse(s) | Melinda Riccilli (m. 1968) |
| Children | 2 |
Mark Van Blarcom Slade (born May 1, 1939) is an American actor, artist, and author. He is especially known for playing Billy Blue Cannon in the NBC Western television series The High Chaparral.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mark Slade was born in Salem, Massachusetts. His father was a businessman and watercolor artist. Mark grew up with his two sisters and a brother. When he was 13, his parents divorced. His stepfather, Esmond R. Crowley Jr., became an important person in his life.
In 1956, Mark went to Worcester Academy. He planned to become an artist. However, he filled in for a sick friend in a play. He played an English professor in The Male Animal. After that, he decided to study acting instead.
Slade moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He worked at the 21 Club to support himself. In the early 1960s, he also served in the United States Army Reserve.
Career Highlights
Acting Roles
Mark Slade began his acting career on Broadway. He appeared in the play There Was a Little Girl. This was also Jane Fonda's first Broadway play.
In 1961, Slade got a role in the film Splendor in the Grass. This movie was directed by Elia Kazan. He then moved to the West Coast. There, he was cast as Seaman Jimmy "Red" Smith in the film Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961). Even though his character died in the movie, director Irwin Allen brought him back. Slade played a new character, Seaman Malone, in the TV series. He was the only actor to be in both the film and TV versions.
Slade also appeared in the CBS sitcom Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.. He played Eddie in eight episodes. In 1965, he played Radioman Patrick Hollis in the NBC sitcom The Wackiest Ship in the Army.
In 1966, at age 27, he got one of his most famous roles. He played Billy Blue Cannon in The High Chaparral. This show was set in the Arizona Territory. It aired for four seasons.
Later, he played Taylor Reed in the 1973 film Salty. He continued this role in the TV series Salty (1974–1975). Mark Slade's acting career lasted until the early 1990s. He appeared in over 300 shows, movies, and plays. He won several awards for his acting. These included the Belgian Viewers Award and the Western Heritage Award.
Artistic Creations
As an artist, Mark Slade has created many illustrations. His political cartoons, caricatures, and comic strips have been in newspapers and magazines worldwide. He worked with producer Danny Arnold on the comic strip "Howard and Friends."
Slade also creates paintings in oils and drawings in graphite. Many of his artworks are owned by private collectors.
Writing Works
Mark Slade is also a writer. He wrote an episode of The Rookies TV series called "Cliffy." He also played a guest role in this episode. This work earned him praise and awards.
In 2012, he published his first novel, Going Down Maine. This book is about losing innocence and the unexpected results of youthful mistakes. In 2014, he released Of Pain and Coffee. This book is a collection of sayings and thoughts about life's challenges and joys. It includes his own illustrations.
In December 2014, Mark published Someone's Story. This book takes readers on an emotional journey. It uses the author's own photos with poems. His second novel, Hangin' with the Truth, came out in 2016. It tells a historical story about the Bandit Bob Slye. His newest novel, "Don't Call Me Slye," was released in November 2024. It continues the story of Bob Slye.
Slade also worked with Slade Media Group. This company was founded by his wife, Melinda Riccilli Slade. They worked on corporate campaigns and marketing. Together, they developed media projects through their company, Slade Square Productions.
Personal Life
Mark Slade married Melinda Riccilli in 1968. They have two sons, Morgan and Mitchel. He lives in Northern California today. He continues to work on his art there.
Slade's family history is interesting. His maternal grandmother was Alice Louise Van Blarcom. She was a distant cousin of Henry Ford. His family line goes back to Martha and John Ford. They arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 on the ship Fortune.
See also
In Spanish: Mark Slade para niños
