Biographie
Peter Whitney's imposing stature, dark complexion, thick eyebrows, and intense gaze made him one of the most formidable character actors in 1940s-60s film and television.
Born Peter King Engle on May 24, 1916, in New Jersey to German parents, he was educated at Exeter Academy. Later, he moved to Los Angeles and trained at the Pasadena Community Playhouse, gaining experience in summer stock theater. In the early 1940s, he transitioned to film and adopted his wife Adrienne's middle name, Whitney, as his stage name, believing his real surname sounded too German and might hinder his career during WWII. Peter and Adrienne had three children. His large features and expressive face often drew comparisons to Charles Laughton, albeit without the same refinement.
Whitney began his supporting career at Warner Bros. as the U.S. entered WWII, showing promise in films such as Underground (1941), his debut, Nine Lives Are Not Enough (1941), and Blues in the Night (1941), usually portraying henchmen or villains. He appeared in major productions like Action in the North Atlantic (1943) and Mr. Skeffington (1944). At the war’s end, he delivered memorable performances as the murderous hillbilly twins Mert and Bert Fleagle in the comedy Murder, He Says (1945) and as Peter Lorre’s shady partner in the noir Three Strangers (1946). After leaving Warner Bros. post-war, he continued to entertain in "B" movies including The Notorious Lone Wolf (1946), Blonde Alibi (1946), and a rare romantic role as Lt. Gates in the eerie crime film The Brute Man (1946).
During the mid-1950s, television became a larger part of Whitney’s career. His striking appearance landed him roles in numerous popular westerns and crime dramas such as Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Rawhide, The Rifleman, Bonanza, Perry Mason, and Peter Gunn. He also showed his comedic side by poking fun at his rough image in guest appearances on series like Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies, where he played the greedy rustic Lafe Crick in four episodes. Whitney’s obesity contributed to a fatal heart attack at age 55 in 1972, cutting short the life of a unique and vividly unrefined character actor. He was survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
