Biography
Frederick P. "Fred" Draper (born September 2, 1925, Chester, Pennsylvania – died December 28, 1999, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, California) was an American actor known for his work in film and television. He appeared in numerous TV shows and movies.
Fred Draper studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, graduating in 1947 alongside notable classmates such as Anne Bancroft, Grace Kelly, and John Cassavetes. During his time there, he shared a room with Cassavetes and Harry Masters. Draper's friendship with Cassavetes led to roles in several of the director’s films, which have since achieved cult status. While attending the Academy, Draper also worked at WNBT (now WNBC) atop the Empire State Building.
Draper appeared on television programs including Climax Theatre, Playhouse 90, and The Lloyd Bridges Show. Noteworthy among his film appearances is the 1963 movie A Child Is Waiting, where he portrayed Dr. Sacks alongside Judy Garland, Burt Lancaster, Gena Rowlands, Paul Stewart, John Marley, and Bill Mumy.
He acted in four films directed by John Cassavetes: Faces, Husbands, A Woman Under the Influence, and Opening Night. Draper also guest-starred in several episodes of the detective series Columbo, where, uniquely, his character "Swanny" was the only murderer revealed only at the episode’s climax.
Fred Draper is survived by his wife, Marilyn Draper; their three children, Amy Greer (née Draper), Frederick Paul Draper III, and Sara Beth Draper-Wessels; and three grandchildren: Amy’s daughter Katheryn (Katie) Draper and Beth’s sons Schyler Wessels and Spencer Wessels.
Selected filmography:
- Opening Night (1977) as Leo
- Future Cop (TV, 1 episode, 1977) as Lieutenant Commander
- Columbo (TV, 6 episodes, 1971–1976)
- Police Woman (TV, 1 episode, 1974) as Distinguished Guest
- A Woman Under the Influence (1974) as George Mortensen
- Husbands: A Comedy About Life, Death and Freedom (1970)
- Faces (1968) as Freddie Draper
- Peyton Place (TV, 1 episode, 1966) as Bartender Fred
- Kraft Suspense Theatre (TV, 1 episode, 1965) as Mark's Father
- The Adventures of Jim Bowie (TV, 1 episode, 1957) as Wiley Baker
- M Squad (TV, 1 episode, 1957) as Detective Lieutenant Wade
Some information above is adapted from the Wikipedia article "Fred Draper (American actor)" licensed under CC-BY-SA, with corrections provided by his daughter, Sara Beth Draper-Wessels.
Sources:
https://alchetron.com/Fred-Draper-763777-W
http://www.answers.com/Q/What_movie_and_television_projects_has_Fred_Draper_been_in
