Lloyd Vernet Bridges Jr. (January 15, 1913 – March 10, 1998) was an American film, stage and television actor who starred in a number of television series and appeared in more than 150

feature film A feature film or feature-length film is a narrative film (motion picture or "movie") with a running time long enough to be considered the principal or sole presentation in a commercial entertainment program. The term ''feature film'' originall ...

s. He was the father of four children, including the actors

Beau Bridges Lloyd Vernet "Beau" Bridges III (born December 9, 1941) is an American actor and director. He is a three-time Emmy, two-time Golden Globe and one-time Grammy Award winner, as well as a two-time Screen Actors Guild Award nominee. Bridges was awar ...

and

Jeff Bridges Jeffrey Leon Bridges (born December 4, 1949) is an American actor. He has received various accolades throughout his career spanning over seven decades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Bridges comes from a prominent ac ...

. He started his career as a contract performer for

Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production studio that is a member of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is one of the Big Five studios and a subsidiary of the mu ...

, appearing in films such as ''

Sahara , photo = Sahara real color.jpg , photo_caption = The Sahara taken by Apollo 17 astronauts, 1972 , map = , map_image = , location = , country = , country1 = , ...

'' (1943), '' A Walk in the Sun'' (1945), '' Little Big Horn'' (1951) and ''

High Noon ''High Noon'' is a 1952 American Western film produced by Stanley Kramer from a screenplay by Carl Foreman, directed by Fred Zinnemann, and starring Gary Cooper. The plot, which occurs in real time, centers on a town marshal whose sense ...

'' (1952). On television, he starred in '' Sea Hunt'' 1958 to 1961. By the end of his career, he had re-invented himself and demonstrated a comedic talent in such parody films as '' Airplane!'' (1980), ''

Hot Shots! ''Hot Shots!'' is a 1991 American comedy film directed by Jim Abrahams, co-writer and co-director of ''Airplane!'', and written by Abrahams and Pat Proft. It stars Charlie Sheen, Cary Elwes, Valeria Golino, Lloyd Bridges, Jon Cryer, Kevin Dunn ...

'' (1991), and '' Jane Austen's Mafia!'' (1998). Among other honors, Bridges was a two-time

Emmy Award The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the American and international television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the calendar year, each with the ...

nominee. He received a star on the

Hollywood Walk of Fame The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic landmark which consists of more than 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, Calif ...

on February 1, 1994.

Early life

Bridges was born in

San Leandro, California San Leandro ( Spanish for " St. Leander") is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area; between Oakland to the northwest, and Ashland, Castro Valley, and Hayward to the s ...

, to Harriet Evelyn (Brown) Bridges (1893–1950) and Lloyd Vernet Bridges (1887–1962), who was involved in the California hotel business and once owned a movie theater. His parents were both from

Kansas Kansas () is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. Its Capital city, capital is Topeka, Kansas, Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita, Kansas, Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebras ...

. Bridges graduated from Petaluma High School in 1930. He then studied political science at

UCLA The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public land-grant research university in Los Angeles, California. UCLA's academic roots were established in 1881 as a teachers college then known as the southern branch of the California ...

, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Career

Bridges had small uncredited roles in the films '' Freshman Love'' (1936) and '' Dancing Feet'' (1936).

Theatre

Bridges made his Broadway debut in 1937 in a short-lived production of

Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...

's ''

Othello ''Othello'' (full title: ''The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice'') is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, probably in 1603, set in the contemporary Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573) fought for the control of the Island of Cyp ...

'', starring Walter Huston and Brian Aherne; Bridges was in the Ensemble. He appeared on stage in ''Suzanna and the Elders'' (1940). In Hollywood he had an uncredited role in ''

Northwest Passage The Northwest Passage (NWP) is the sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America via waterways through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The eastern route along the ...

'' (1940).

Columbia Pictures and U.S. Coast Guard

In 1940, Bridges joined the stock company at

at $75 a week, where he played small roles in features and short subjects. He could be seen in ''

The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance ''The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance'' is a 1941 American mystery film directed by Sidney Salkow, which stars Warren William, June Storey, and Henry Wilcoxon. Salkow also wrote the original screenplay, along with Earl Felton, and the film was released ...

'' (1941), '' They Dare Not Love'' (1941), '' Doctor's Alibi'' (1941), '' Blue Clay'' (1941), '' Our Wife'' (1941), and '' I Was a Prisoner on Devil's Island'' (1941). In ''

Here Comes Mr. Jordan ''Here Comes Mr. Jordan'' is a 1941 American fantasy romantic comedy film directed by Alexander Hall, in which a boxer, mistakenly taken to Heaven before his time, is given a second chance back on Earth. It stars Robert Montgomery, Claude Rains ...

'' (1941) Bridges is the pilot of the plane in the "heaven" scene. Bridges later reflected, He left Columbia Pictures during World War II to enlist in the

United States Coast Guard The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the country's eight uniformed services. The service is a maritime, military, m ...

. Following his discharge, he returned to acting. In later years, he was a member of the

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA, USCGAUX, CGAux, or USCG Aux) is the civilian uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Congress established the unit on 23 June 1939, as the United States Coast Guard Reserve ...

, did several public service announcements for the organization, and was made an honorary commodore. Bridges' '' Sea Hunt'' character Mike Nelson was also portrayed as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and sometimes appeared in uniform. Bridges' sons, actors Beau and Jeff, also served in the Coast Guard and

Coast Guard Reserve The United States Coast Guard Reserve is the reserve component of the United States Coast Guard. It is organized, trained, administered, and supplied under the direction of the Commandant of the Coast Guard through the Assistant Commandant for R ...

Post-war career

Bridges' first lead role was in the serial '' Secret Agent X-9'' (1945) made for Universal. That studio kept him on for '' Strange Confession'' (1945), an

Inner Sanctum mystery ''Inner Sanctum Mystery'', also known as ''Inner Sanctum'', is a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941, to October 5, 1952. It was created by producer Himan Brown and was based on the imprint given to the mystery novels ...

. Bridges had some support roles in independent films, '' A Walk in the Sun'' (1945), and '' Abilene Town'' (1946). He was in Paramount's '' Miss Susie Slagle's'' (1946) and

Walter Wanger Walter Wanger (born Walter Feuchtwanger; July 11, 1894 – November 18, 1968) was an American film producer active from the 1910s, his career concluding with the turbulent production of ''Cleopatra,'' his last film, in 1963. He began at Param ...

's '' Canyon Passage'' (1947). In 1947 he appeared in a small role in Cecil B. DeMille's film ''

Unconquered Unconquered or The Unconquered may refer to: Films * ''Unconquered'' (1917 film), a drama film by Frank Reicher * ''Unconquered'' (1947 film), an adventure film by Cecil B. DeMille * ''The Unconquered'' (documentary) or ''Helen Keller in Her Sto ...

''.

Leading man

He returned to lead roles with ''

Secret Service Investigator ''Secret Service Investigator'' is a 1948 American crime film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by John K. Butler. The film stars Lynne Roberts, Lloyd Bridges, George Zucco, June Storey, Trevor Bardette and John Kellogg. The film was re ...

'' (1948) at

Republic Pictures Republic Pictures Corporation (currently held under Melange Pictures, LLC) was an American motion picture production-distribution corporation in operation from 1935 to 1967, that was based in Los Angeles. It had studio facilities in Studio City a ...

, and ''

16 Fathoms Deep ''Sixteen Fathoms Deep'' (also written as ''16 Fathoms Deep'') is a 1948 American adventure film directed by Irving Allen and starring Lloyd Bridges, Lon Chaney Jr. and Arthur Lake. It was a remake of the 1934 film of the same title in which Cha ...

'' (1948) for

Monogram Pictures Monogram Pictures Corporation was an American film studio that produced mostly low-budget films between 1931 and 1953, when the firm completed a transition to the name Allied Artists Pictures Corporation. Monogram was among the smaller studios i ...

. Bridges had a support role in

Frank Borzage Frank Borzage (; April 23, 1894 – June 19, 1962) was an Academy Award-winning American film director and actor, known for directing '' 7th Heaven'' (1927), '' Street Angel'' (1928), '' Bad Girl'' (1931), ''A Farewell to Arms'' (1932), '' Man's ...

's ''

Moonrise Moonrise and moonset are times when the upper limb of the Moon appears above the horizon and disappears below it, respectively. The exact times depend on the lunar phase and declination, as well as the observer's location. As viewed from outsid ...

'' (1948) then was the lead in ''

Hideout Hideout may refer to: Entertainment * ''Hideout'' (film), a 1949 American thriller film directed by Philip Ford * ''The Hideout'' (1956 film), a 1956 British crime film directed by Peter Graham Scott * ''The Hideout'' (film), a 2007 film by Pup ...

'' (1949) for Republic. Bridges was in a Western at Universal directed by

George Sherman George Sherman (July 14, 1908 – March 15, 1991) was an American film director and producer of low-budget Western films. One obituary said his "credits rival in number those of anyone in the entertainment industry." Biography George Sherma ...

, '' Red Canyon'' (1949), and a short at MGM, ''Mr. Whitney Had a Notion'' (1949). He had a good role in '' Home of the Brave'' (1949). At Universal he was

Howard Duff Howard is an English-language given name originating from Old French Huard (or Houard) from a Germanic source similar to Old High German ''*Hugihard'' "heart-brave", or ''*Hoh-ward'', literally "high defender; chief guardian". It is also probabl ...

's friend in '' Calamity Jane and Sam Bass'' (1949), again for Sherman. Lloyd Bridges 01 Rocketship X-M

Bridges had the star role in '' Trapped'' (1949) directed by

Richard Fleischer Richard O. Fleischer (; December 8, 1916 – March 25, 2006) was an American film director whose career spanned more than four decades, beginning at the height of the Golden Age of Hollywood and lasting through the American New Wave. Though h ...

for

Eagle Lion Eagle Lion 1985-2013 was an event horse that has competed at the highest level of the sport with great success. He stood 16.1 hh (169 cm). Eagle Lion was out of the famous mare Stream Lion, a producer of excellent event horses, incl ...

and '' Rocketship X-M'' (1950) for

Lippert Pictures Lippert Pictures was an American film production and distribution company controlled by Robert L. Lippert. History Robert L. Lippert (1909-1976) was a successful exhibitor, owning a chain of movie theaters in California and Oregon. He was frustrat ...

. He had supporting roles in '' Colt .45'' (1951), '' The White Tower'' (1951), and '' The Sound of Fury'' (1950) (directed by

Cy Endfield Cyril Raker Endfield (November 10, 1914 – April 16, 1995) was an American screenwriter, director, author, magician and inventor. Having been named as a Communist at a House Un-American Activities Committee hearing and subsequently blacklisted, ...

Blacklisting

Bridges was

blacklist Blacklisting is the action of a group or authority compiling a blacklist (or black list) of people, countries or other entities to be avoided or distrusted as being deemed unacceptable to those making the list. If someone is on a blacklist, ...

ed briefly in the 1950s after he admitted to the

House Un-American Activities Committee The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HCUA), popularly dubbed the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), was an investigative United States Congressional committee, committee of the United States House of Representatives, create ...

that he had once been a member of the Actors' Laboratory Theatre, a group found to have had links to the

Communist party A communist party is a political party that seeks to realize the socio-economic goals of communism. The term ''communist party'' was popularized by the title of '' The Manifesto of the Communist Party'' (1848) by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel ...

. He returned to acting after recanting his membership and serving as a cooperative witness, achieving his greatest success in television. Bridges made his TV debut in 1951 with "Man's First Debt" in ''

The Bigelow Theatre ''The Bigelow Theatre'' (also known as ''Bigelow-Sanford Theater'' and as ''Hollywood Half Hour'' and ''Marquee Theater'' in syndication) is an American anthology series originally broadcast on CBS Television and on the DuMont Television Network. ...

''. He had starring roles in the films ''

The Fighting Seventh ''Little Big Horn'' (also known as ''The Fighting Seventh'') is a 1951 American Western film written and directed by Charles Marquis Warren starring Lloyd Bridges, John Ireland and Marie Windsor. It was also known as The Fighting Seventh. Plot ...

'' (1951), ''

Three Steps North ''Three Steps North'' is a 1951 Italian–American film noir crime film directed by W. Lee Wilder and starring Lloyd Bridges, Lea Padovani and Aldo Fabrizi. The film is also known as ''Tre passi a nord'' in Italy. Plot Dishonorably discharged a ...

'' (1951), and '' Richer Than the Earth'' (1951). On TV he did "Rise Up and Walk" for '' Robert Montgomery Presents'' (1952) and "International Incident" for '' Studio One in Hollywood'' (1952) (the latter directed by Franklin J. Schaffner). Bridges had a supporting role in ''

'' (1952). Bridges guest starred on ''Suspense'' ("Her Last Adventure") and '' Schlitz Playhouse'' ("This Plane for Hire"), and had support roles in ''

Plymouth Adventure ''Plymouth Adventure'' is a 1952 Technicolor drama film with an ensemble cast starring Spencer Tracy, Gene Tierney, Van Johnson and Leo Genn, made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, directed by Clarence Brown, and produced by Dore Schary. The screenplay wa ...

'' (1952) and '' The Sabre and the Arrow'' (1953). Bridges returned to leads in '' The Tall Texan'' (1953) for

. Bridges was in "The Long Way Home" for ''

Goodyear Playhouse ''Goodyear Television Playhouse'' is an American anthology series that was telecast live on NBC from 1951 to 1957 during the first Golden Age of Television. Sponsored by Goodyear, Goodyear alternated sponsorship with Philco, and the '' Philco ...

'' (1953), and appeared in '' The Kid from Left Field'' (1953) and ''

City of Bad Men ''City of Bad Men'' is a 1953 American Western film directed by Harmon Jones and starring Jeanne Crain and Dale Robertson. Plot A heavyweight championship fight between "Gentleman Jim" Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons is coming to Carson City, Neva ...

'' (1953) for Fox. He travelled to the UK to star in '' The Limping Man'' (1953) for

. He returned to Broadway in ''Dead Pigeon'' (1953–54), which had a short run. He had the lead in a horse movie, '' Prince of the Blue Grass'' (1954) and returned to England to make ''

Third Party Risk ''Third Party Risk'' is a 1954 British crime drama film directed by Daniel Birt and starring Lloyd Bridges, Simone Silva and Finlay Currie.Chibnall & McFarlane p.82 It is based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Nicholas Bentley. It was pr ...

'' (1954) for

Hammer Films A hammer is a tool, most often a hand tool, consisting of a weighted "head" fixed to a long handle that is swung to deliver an impact to a small area of an object. This can be, for example, to drive nails into wood, to shape metal (as wi ...

. In Hollywood Bridges supported Joel McCrea in '' Wichita'' (1955) and had the lead in Roger Corman's low-budget '' Apache Woman'' (1955).

Television

On TV Bridges performed in "Broadway Trust" for ''Crossroads'' (1955), "The Dark Fleece" and "Edge of Terror" for '' Climax!'' (1955) (the latter directed by John Frankenheimer), "The Ainsley Case" for '' Front Row Center'' (1956), "Across the Dust" and "Prairie Dog Court" for ''

Chevron Hall of Stars ''Chevron Hall of Stars'' is an American television anthology series which aired in 1956 in first-run syndication. It was produced by Four Star Productions, and was a half-hour series. Gene Roddenberry’s script ''The Secret Weapon of 117'' ...

'' (1956), and "The Silent Gun" and "American Primitive" for ''Studio One in Hollywood'' (1956). He had the lead in the low budget '' Wetbacks'' (1956) and a support role in '' The Rainmaker'' (1956). Bridges gained attention in 1956 for his emotional performance on the live anthology program ''

The Alcoa Hour ''The Alcoa Hour'' is an American anthology television series that was aired live on NBC from 1955 to 1957. The series was sponsored by Alcoa. Overview Like the ''Philco Television Playhouse'' and ''Goodyear Television Playhouse'' that had prece ...

'', in an episode titled " Tragedy in a Temporary Town" written by

Reginald Rose Reginald Rose (December 10, 1920 – April 19, 2002) was an American screenwriter. He wrote about controversial social and political issues. His realistic approach was particularly influential in the anthology programs of the 1950s. Rose w ...

and directed by

Sidney Lumet Sidney Arthur Lumet ( ; June 25, 1924 – April 9, 2011) was an American film director. He was nominated five times for the Academy Award: four for Best Director for ''12 Angry Men'' (1957), '' Dog Day Afternoon'' (1975), ''Network'' (1976 ...

. During the performance, Bridges inadvertently used profanity while ad-libbing. Although the slip of the tongue generated hundreds of complaints, the episode won a Robert E. Sherwood Television Award, with Bridges' slip being defended even by some members of the clergy. Bridges received an

nomination for the role. Bridges did "The Regulators" for '' Studio 57'' (1956), "They Never Forget" for ''

The United States Steel Hour ''The United States Steel Hour'' is an anthology series which brought hour long dramas to television from 1953 to 1963. The television series and the radio program that preceded it were both sponsored by the United States Steel Corporation (U. S ...

'' (1957), "Ride the Wild Mare" for ''

'' (1957), "Man on the Outside" for ''Studio 57'' (1957), "The Sound of Silence", "Figures in Clay" and "The Disappearance of Amanda Hale" for ''Climax!'', "Heritage of Anger" (1956) and " Clash by Night" (1957) for ''

Playhouse 90 ''Playhouse 90'' was an American television anthology drama series that aired on CBS from 1956 to 1960 for a total of 133 episodes. The show was produced at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California. Since live anthology drama series of th ...

'', the latter with

Kim Stanley Kim Stanley (born Patricia Kimberley Reid; February 11, 1925 – August 20, 2001) was an American actress, primarily in television and theatre, but with occasional film performances. She began her acting career in theatre, and subsequently at ...

. Bridges also made several episodes of ''

Zane Grey Theatre ''Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre'' is an American Western anthology television series that was broadcast on CBS from October 5, 1956, until September 20, 1962. Format Many episodes were based on novels by Zane Grey, to all of which Four Star F ...

'' including "Time of Decision" (1957) and "Wire" (1958). He supported

Rory Calhoun Rory Calhoun (born Francis Timothy McCown, August 8, 1922April 28, 1999) was an American film and television actor. He starred in numerous Westerns in the 1950s and 1960s, and appeared in supporting roles in films such as ''How to Marry a Millio ...

in '' Ride Out for Revenge'' (1957) and did "A Time to Cry" on '' The Frank Sinatra Show'' (1958) and had one of his best ever cinema roles in '' The Goddess'' (1958) based on a script by Paddy Chayefsky based on the life of

Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe (; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; 1 June 1926 4 August 1962) was an American actress. Famous for playing comedic " blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, as wel ...

; Bridges played a sportsman based on

Joe di Maggio Joseph Paul DiMaggio (November 25, 1914 – March 8, 1999), nicknamed "Joltin' Joe", "The Yankee Clipper" and "Joe D.", was an American baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career in Major League Baseball for the New York Yanke ...

opposite

. He directed "Piano to Thunder Springs" for ''

Target Target may refer to: Physical items * Shooting target, used in marksmanship training and various shooting sports ** Bullseye (target), the goal one for which one aims in many of these sports ** Aiming point, in field artillery, fi ...

'' (1958).

''Sea Hunt'' (1958–1961)

Bridges gained wide recognition as Mike Nelson, the main character in the television series '' Sea Hunt'', created by Ivan Tors, which ran in syndication from 1958 to 1961. He also wrote a book with a co-author about skin-diving entitled ''Mask and Flippers''. Dick Powell Show Premiere Episode 1961

Bridges did "Lepke" (1959) for '' Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse'' (1960), "Ransom" (1960) (directed by

Budd Boetticher Oscar "Budd" Boetticher Jr. ( ; July 29, 1916 – November 29, 2001) was an American film director. He is best remembered for a series of low-budget Westerns he made in the late 1950s starring Randolph Scott. Early life Boetticher was born in C ...

) and "Image of a Drawn Sword" (1961) for ''Zane Grey Theatre''. He did a TV movie '' The Valley of Decision'' (1960), "Death of the Temple Bay" for ''

The DuPont Show with June Allyson ''The DuPont Show with June Allyson'' (also known as ''The June Allyson Show'') is an American anthology drama series which aired on CBS from September 21, 1959, to April 3, 1961, with rebroadcasts continuing until June 12, 1961. The series wa ...

'' (1961), "Who Killed Julie Greer?" (1961) for ''

The Dick Powell Theatre ''The Dick Powell Show'' is an American television anthology series that ran on NBC from September 26, 1961, until September 17, 1963, primarily sponsored by the Reynolds Metals Company. Overview The series was an anthology of various drama ...

'', "The Fortress" (1961) for '' Alcoa Premiere'' (with Fred Astaire), and "The Two of Us" (1962) for ''

Checkmate Checkmate (often shortened to mate) is any game position in chess and other chess-like games in which a player's king is in check (threatened with ) and there is no possible escape. Checkmating the opponent wins the game. In chess, the king is ...

''. He also did a special ''Marineland Carnival'' (1962).

''The Lloyd Bridges Show'' (1962–1963)

Bridges starred in the eponymous CBS

anthology series An anthology series is a radio, television, video game or film series that spans different genres and presents a different story and a different set of characters in each different episode, season, segment, or short. These usually have a dif ...

'' The Lloyd Bridges Show'' (1962–1963) (produced by

Aaron Spelling Aaron Spelling (April 22, 1923 June 23, 2006) was an American film and television producer and occasional actor. His productions included the TV series ''Family'' (1976–1980), '' Charlie's Angels'' (1976–1981), '' The Love Boat'' (1977–198 ...

) which included appearances by his sons Beau and

Jeff Jeff is a masculine name, often a short form ( hypocorism) of the English given name Jefferson or Jeffrey, which comes from a medieval variant of Geoffrey. Music * DJ Jazzy Jeff, American DJ/turntablist record producer Jeffrey Allen Townes ...

. Bridges followed it with "A Hero for Our Times" for '' Kraft Suspense Theatre'' (1963), "Wild Bill Hickok – the Legend and the Man" for '' The Great Adventure'' (1964), "Cannibal Plants, They Eat You Alive" for '' The Eleventh Hour'' (1964) and "Exit from a Plane in Flight" for '' Theater of Stars'' (1965).

''The Loner''

Producer

Gene Roddenberry Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Sr. (August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991) was an American television screenwriter, producer, and creator of '' Star Trek: The Original Series'', its sequel spin-off series '' Star Trek: The Animated Series,'' and '' ...

, who worked with Bridges on ''Sea Hunt'', reportedly offered Bridges the role of

Captain Kirk James Tiberius Kirk is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. Originally played by Canadian actor William Shatner, Kirk first appeared in ''Star Trek'' serving aboard the starship USS ''Enterprise'' as captain. Kirk leads ...

on ''

Star Trek ''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the eponymous 1960s television series and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise has expanded into vari ...

'' before the part went to

William Shatner William Shatner (born March 22, 1931) is a Canadian actor. In a career spanning seven decades, he is best known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the ''Star Trek'' franchise, from his 1965 debut as the captain of the starship ''Enterpris ...

. In addition, he was a regular cast member in the

Rod Serling Rodman Edward Serling (December 25, 1924 – June 28, 1975) was an American screenwriter, playwright, television producer, and narrator/on-screen host, best known for his live television dramas of the 1950s and his anthology television series ...

western series '' The Loner,'' which lasted one season from 1965 to 1966, canceled due to ratings, despite solid reviews and several scripts by Rod Serling, over the show being too “adult” and realistic. Bridges returned to features with ''

Around the World Under the Sea ''Around the World Under the Sea'' is a 1966 science fiction film directed by Andrew Marton and starring Lloyd Bridges, with Marshall Thompson, Shirley Eaton, Gary Merrill, and David McCallum. It follows the adventures of a crew of the deep-divin ...

'' (1966). He guest starred in "Fakeout" for ''

Mission Impossible ''Mission: Impossible'' is a multimedia franchise based on a fictional secret espionage agency known as the Impossible Missions Force (IMF). The 1966 TV series ran for seven seasons and was revived in 1988 for two seasons. It inspired a serie ...

'' (1966), and did a TV movie ''

A Case of Libel ''A Case of Libel'' is a 1963 novel by the British writer John Bingham.Reilly p.121 Unlike his usual crime-thrillers, it is a drama about a libel case brought by a woman against a national newspaper headed by a ruthless new editor Editing ...

'' (1968). Bridges starred in some action films, '' Daring Game'' (1968) and ''

Attack on the Iron Coast ''Attack on the Iron Coast'' is a 1967 DeLuxe Color Anglo-American Oakmont Productions international co-production war film directed by Paul Wendkos in the first of his five-picture contract with Mirisch Productions, and starring Lloyd Bridges, ...

'' (1968), the latter for Ivan Tors. He did "The People Next Door" for ''

CBS Playhouse ''CBS Playhouse'' is an American anthology drama television series that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1970. Airing twelve plays over the course of its run, the series won ten Primetime Emmy Awards and featured many noteworthy actors and playwrights. ...

'' (1968). Bridges starred in some TV movies, '' The Silent Gun'' (1969), and '' Silent Night, Lonely Night'' (1969). He had a support role in ''

The Happy Ending ''The Happy Ending'' is a 1969 drama film written and directed by Richard Brooks, which tells the story of a repressed housewife who longs for liberation from her husband and daughter. It stars Jean Simmons (who received an Oscar nomination), J ...

'' (1969) directed by

Richard Brooks Richard Brooks (May 18, 1912 – March 11, 1992) was an American screenwriter, film director, novelist and film producer. Nominated for eight Oscars in his career, he was best known for ''Blackboard Jungle'' (1955), ''Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'' ...

. Bridges returned to Broadway as a replacement for the lead in '' Cactus Flower'' (1967).

Telemovies

Bridges was in heavy demand for TV movies such as ''

The Love War ''The Love War'' (1970) is a science fiction ABC Movie of the Week starring Lloyd Bridges as an alien warrior and Angie Dickinson as the woman he befriends. It was originally advertised and broadcast under the title ''The Sixth Column''. Plot Two ...

'' (1970), ''

Lost Flight ''Lost Flight'' is a 1969 dramatic film written and produced for television based on producer Frank Price's unsuccessful 1966 TV pilot, ''Stranded'', that instead had a theatrical release in the US and Australia from mid-1970 through 1971. The p ...

'' (1970), '' Do You Take This Stranger?'' (1971), '' A Tattered Web'' (1971), and '' The Deadly Dream'' (1971). He starred in a short lived series ''

San Francisco International Airport San Francisco International Airport is an international airport in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, south of Downtown San Francisco. It has flights to points throughout North America and is a major gateway to Europe, the Middl ...

'' (1970/71) and had a support role in a feature, ''

To Find a Man ''To Find a Man'' is a 1972 American comedy-drama film directed by Buzz Kulik and starring Pamela Sue Martin, Darren O'Connor, and Lloyd Bridges. It was entered into the 1972 Cannes Film Festival. Plot Rosalind McCarthy is a spoiled 16-year-old ...

'' (1972). Bridges had a (then) rare comedy role on ''

Here's Lucy ''Here's Lucy'' is an American sitcom starring Lucille Ball. The series co-starred her long-time comedy partner Gale Gordon and her real-life children Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. It was broadcast on CBS from 1968 to 1974. It was Ball's th ...

'' with "Lucy's Big Break" (1972). He continued in TV movies: ''

Haunts of the Very Rich ''Haunts of the Very Rich'' is a 1972 made-for-TV thriller, broadcast as an ''ABC Movie of the Week''. Plot A group of rich tourists and business people fly to a mysterious tropical resort, the Portals of Eden, hosted by Seacrist. There, they s ...

'' (1972), '' Trouble Comes to Town'' (1973), ''Crime Club'' (1973), '' Running Wild'' (1973), '' Death Race'' (1973), ''

The Whirlwind ''The Whirlwind'' is the third studio album by the band Transatlantic, released on October 23, 2009. It is available in three formats: a standard edition, a double disc special edition and a deluxe edition with a 105-minute making-of DVD. The ...

'' (1974, with son Beau), and '' Stowaway to the Moon'' (1975).

''Joe Forrester''

Bridges starred in a short-lived Police Story spin-off '' Joe Forrester'' (1975–76). Bridges played significant roles in several mini-series, including ''

Roots A root is the part of a plant, generally underground, that anchors the plant body, and absorbs and stores water and nutrients. Root or roots may also refer to: Art, entertainment, and media * ''The Root'' (magazine), an online magazine focusing ...

'', and '' How the West Was Won''. He returned to TV movies: '' The Force of Evil'' (1978), '' Telethon'' (1978), ''The Great Wallendas'' (1978) and '' The Critical List'' (1978). Bridges had a notable guest part in "

The Living Legend ''Battlestar Galactica'' and ''Galactica 1980'' are American science fiction television series, produced in 1978 and 1980 by Glen A. Larson and starring Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict. Series overview Episodes ''Battlest ...

" for ''

Battlestar Galactica ''Battlestar Galactica'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The franchise began with the original television series in 1978, and was followed by a short-run sequel series (''Galactica 1980''), a line of ...

'' (1978) and went to Australia to make ''

Shimmering Light ''Shimmering Light'' is a 1978 Australian television film about an American surfer who travels to Australia in search of the perfect wave. It was one of six TV movies made in Australia by Transatlantic Enterprises.Ed. Scott Murray, ''Australia on ...

'' (1978) with Beau. He had a support part in ''

The Fifth Musketeer ''The Fifth Musketeer'' is a 1979 German-Austrian film adaptation of the last section of the 1847–1850 novel '' The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later'' by Alexandre Dumas, père, which is itself based on the French legend of the Man in the ...

'' (1979) starring Beau and was in '' Disaster on the Coastliner'' (1979), '' Bear Island'' (1979) and '' This Year's Blonde'' (1980) (as Johnny Hyde)

''Airplane!''

Bridges had his biggest film hit in a long time in '' Airplane!'' (1980), a spoof of disaster films. He appeared in a number of mini series such as '' East of Eden'' (1981), '' The Blue and the Gray'' (1982) and ''

George Washington George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of ...

'' (1984). He guest starred on shows such as '' The Love Boat'' (1981), ''

Loving Loving may refer to: * Love, a range of human emotions * Loving (surname) * ''Loving v. Virginia'', a 1967 landmark United States Supreme Court civil rights case Film and television * Loving (1970 film), ''Loving'' (1970 film), an American fi ...

'' (1983), and ''

Matt Houston ''Matt Houston'' was an American crime drama television series starring Lee Horsley as the title character, a wealthy oilman who decides to hold a side job as a private investigator. Created by Lawrence Gordon and produced by Aaron Spelling, ...

'' (1983) and continued to make TV movies like '' Life of the Party: The Story of Beatrice'' (1982), ''

Grace Kelly Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12, 1929 – September 14, 1982) was an American actress who, after starring in several significant films in the early to mid-1950s, became Princess of Monaco by marrying Prince Rainier III in April 1956. Kelly ...

'' (1983) and '' Grandpa, Will You Run with Me?'' (1983). Bridges reprised his ''Airplane!'' role in '' Airplane II: The Sequel'' (1982) Bridges starred in a short-lived series '' Paper Dolls'' (1984). For TV he appeared in ''

Alice in Wonderland ''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' (commonly ''Alice in Wonderland'') is an 1865 English novel by Lewis Carroll. It details the story of a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world of anthropomorphic creatur ...

'' (1985), '' Dress Gray'' (1986), and '' North and South, Book II'' (1986). He was in '' Weekend Warriors'' (1986), '' The Thanksgiving Promise'' (1986) for Disney, and '' The Wild Pair'' (1987) starring and directed by Beau. Bridges appeared with Jeff in '' Tucker: The Man and His Dream'' (1987) and was in '' She Was Marked for Murder'' (1988), for TV. Bridges had notable supporting roles in the features '' Winter People'' (1989) and ''

Cousins Most generally, in the lineal kinship system used in the English-speaking world, a cousin is a type of familial relationship in which two relatives are two or more familial generations away from their most recent common ancestor. Commonly, ...

'' (1989). He was in the TV movie ''

Cross of Fire ''Cross of Fire'' is a 1989 American television miniseries based on the rape and murder of Madge Oberholtzer by D. C. Stephenson, a highly successful leader of the Indiana branch of Ku Klux Klan. It stars John Heard as Stephenson and Mel Harri ...

'' (1989).

1990s

Bridges starred in a short-lived series, ''

Capital News ''Capital News'' is an American drama television series that aired on ABC in 1990. Starring Lloyd Bridges, Helen Slater, and William Russ (Boy Meets World) ''Capital News'' was created by David Milch and Christian Williams. Synopsis The ser ...

'' (1990), for ABC. In 1990, he had a supporting role in ''

Joe Versus the Volcano ''Joe Versus the Volcano'' is a 1990 American romantic comedy film written and directed by John Patrick Shanley and starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Hanks plays a man who, after being told he is dying of a rare disease, accepts a financial offe ...

'', and portrayed Harry Helmsley in the made-for-television movie, '' Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean''. Bridges was in '' Shining Time Station: 'Tis a Gift'' (1990) then reprised his comedy career with a supporting role in ''

'' (1991). He starred in a TV movie '' In the Nick of Time'' (1992) and was in '' Honey, I Blew Up the Kid'' (1992), '' Devlin'' (1992), and ' (1993) before reprising his old role in ''

Hot Shots! Part Deux ''Hot Shots! Part Deux'' is a 1993 American parody film directed by Jim Abrahams. It stars Charlie Sheen, Lloyd Bridges, Valeria Golino, Richard Crenna (parodying his Colonel role in the ''Rambo'' franchise), Brenda Bakke, Miguel Ferrer, R ...

'' (1993). Bridges did '' Secret Sins of the Father'' (1994) with son Beau (who directed), and '' Cinderella ... Frozen in Time'' (1994). His last regular TV series was ''

Harts of the West Harts of the West is a humorous contemporary western about a Chicago family moving to a run-down Nevada ranch. The series consisted of 15 hour-long episodes that aired on CBS Saturdays, 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., from September 1993 until June 1994. ...

'' (1993–1994). Bridges supported son Jeff in a big budget action film '' Blown Away'' (1994). He did "Sandkings" (1995) for '' The Outer Limits'' (1995) with Beau, '' The Other Woman'' (1995), '' Nothing Lasts Forever'' (1995), and ''

The Deliverance of Elaine ''The'' () is a grammatical Article (grammar), article in English language, English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite ...

'' (1996) and did voice work on ''

Peter and the Wolf ''Peter and the Wolf'' ( rus, Петя и Bолк, r="Pétya i volk", p=ˈpʲetʲə i volk, links=no) Op. 67, a "symphonic fairy tale for children", is a musical composition written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. The narrator tells a children's s ...

'' (1995). He had a semi-regular part on '' Second Noah'' (1996). He received a second Emmy Award nomination four decades after the first when he was nominated in 1998 for his role as Izzy Mandelbaum on ''

Seinfeld ''Seinfeld'' ( ) is an American television sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. It aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, over nine seasons and 180 episodes. It stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself and ...

''. Bridges served on the advisory board of the

Los Angeles Student Film Institute The National Student Film Institute (NSFI), formerly the Los Angeles Student Film Institute (LASFI), was founded in 1978 by Brenda Norman, Dave Master, Jutti Marsh and Ralph Rogers as a festival for films made by children from kindergarten through n ...

. Bridges also guest starred on ''

Ned and Stacey ''Ned & Stacey'' (or ''Ned and Stacey'') is an American sitcom created by Michael J. Weithorn, and starring Thomas Haden Church and Debra Messing as the titular couple. The series lasted two seasons, airing on Fox from September 11, 1995, to Janu ...

''. Bridges' last roles were in ''

Mafia! ''Mafia!'', also known as ''Jane Austen's Mafia!'', is a 1998 American crime comedy film directed by Jim Abrahams and starring Jay Mohr, Lloyd Bridges (in one of his final films), Olympia Dukakis and Christina Applegate. The film spoofs Francis ...

'' (1998) and '' Meeting Daddy'' (2000).

Personal life

Bridges met his wife,

Dorothy Bridges Dorothy Louise Bridges (née Simpson; September 19, 1915 – February 16, 2009) was an American actress and poet. Bridges was the matriarch of an acting family, which included her husband, Lloyd Bridges, two of their three sons, Beau Bridges ...

(née Simpson), in his fraternity; they married in 1938 in New York City. They had four children: actors

(born in 1941) and

(born in 1949); a daughter, Lucinda Louise Bridges (born in October 1953); and another son, Garrett Myles Bridges, who died of

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexplained death of a child of less than one year of age. Diagnosis requires that the death remain unexplained even after a thorough autopsy and detailed death scene investigation. SIDS usuall ...

on August 3, 1948. Actor Jordan Bridges is Beau's son and Lloyd's grandson. Dorothy and Lloyd exchanged vows again for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Death

On March 10, 1998, Bridges died of natural causes at the age of 85.

Tributes

An episode (" The Burning") in the final ''Seinfeld'' season (1998) was dedicated to the memory of Lloyd Bridges. He had played the character of Izzy Mandelbaum in the episodes " The English Patient" in 1997 and "

The Blood The Blood are an English, London-based punk rock band, formed in 1982. Led by Cardinal Jesus Hate and JJ Bedsore (AKA Colin Smith and Jamie Cantwell), the band formed in the early 1980s under the name "Coming Blood". Their music is a blend of ...

" later the same year. Bridges' last film, '' Jane Austen's Mafia!'', which came out the year of his death, bears a dedication to him. In 2011, Bridges was posthumously named as one of six recipients that year – two of whom are his sons Beau and Jeff – of the

Lone Sailor Award The United States Navy Memorial presents a Lone Sailor Award to Sea Service veterans who have excelled with distinction in their respective careers during or after their service. The award recipients will join a list of men and women who have disti ...

, which honors former Coast Guard servicemen who forged successful careers as civilians.

Filmography

Television work

*''

Suspense Suspense is a state of mental uncertainty, anxiety, being Decision-making, undecided, or being Doubt, doubtful. In a Drama, dramatic work, suspense is the anticipation of the wikt:outcome, outcome of a plot (narrative), plot or of the solution t ...

'' co-star with Arlene Francis in "Her Last Adventure" (August 19, 1952) as James *''Jukebox Jury'' (1953) *''

Crossroads Crossroads, crossroad, cross road or similar may refer to: * Crossroads (junction), where four roads meet Film and television Films * ''Crossroads'' (1928 film), a 1928 Japanese film by Teinosuke Kinugasa * ''Cross Roads'' (film), a 1930 Brit ...

'' in "Broadway Trust" with

James Dean James Byron Dean (February 8, 1931September 30, 1955) was an American actor. He is remembered as a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, '' Rebel Without a Caus ...

(November 11, 1955) as Fred *'' Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre'' in Image of a Drawn Sword (1961) as Lt. Sam Kenyon *'' Sea Hunt'' (1958–1961) as Mike Nelson / Whitey Fender *'' Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre'' (1960) as Dundee, Season 5, Episode 6 – Ransom *''

The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford ''The Ford Show'' (also known as ''The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford'' and ''The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show'') is an American variety program, starring singer and folk humorist Tennessee Ernie Ford, which aired on NBC on Thursday eveni ...

'' (January 8, 1959) as Captain Anderson *''

'' as Captain Anderson in "Death on the Temple Bay", BSD series finale (1961) as Captain Anderson *'' The Lloyd Bridges Show'' (1962–1963) as Adam Shepherd / Sen. Guthrie / Jonathan Tatum / Various characters *'' The Eleventh Hour'' with son Beau, "Cannibal Plants, They Eat You Alive" (1964) as Leonard McCarty *'' Kraft Suspense Theatre'' (1963) as Mason Etheridge *'' The Loner'' (1965–1966) as William Colton *'' Mission: Impossible'' (1966) as Anastas Poltroni *''

'' (1968) as Dennis Corcoran *''

'' (1969) *''The Silent Gun'' (1969) as Brad Clinton *'' Silent Night, Lonely Night'' (1969) as John Sparrow *''

'' (1970) as Kyle *''

'' (1970–1971) as Jim Conrad *''Do You Take This Stranger?'' (1971) as Steven Breck *''A Tattered Web'' (1971) as Sgt. Ed Stagg *'' The Deadly Dream'' (1971) as Dr. Jim Hanley *'' Water World'' (1972–1975) as Narrator *''

'' (1972) as Dave Woodrough *'' Trouble Comes to Town'' (1973) as Sheriff Porter Murdock *''Crime Club'' (1973) as Paul Cord *'' Death Race'' (1973) as Hans Pimler *''

Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin ( April 17, 1790) was an American polymath who was active as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. Encyclopædia Britannica, Wood, 2021 Among the leading int ...

'' (1974) (miniseries) *''

'' (1974) *'' Police Story'' (1974–75) as Joe Forrester / Sgt. Wolf Bozeman *'' Stowaway to the Moon'' (1975) as Charlie Englehardt *'' Cop on the Beat'' (1975) *'' Joe Forrester'' (1975–76) as Joe Forrester *'' Quinn Martin's Tales of the Unexpected'' (1977 TV series) episode "The Force of Evil" (Dr. Carrington) *''

'' (1977) (miniseries) *''Telethon'' (1977) as Matt Tallman *'' How the West Was Won'' (1978) (miniseries) as Orville Gant *''The Great Wallendas'' (1978) as Karl Wallenda *''

'' (1978) as Sean Pearse *''GI Diary'' (1978) as Narrator (voice) *''

'' (1978 TV series) as Commander Cain *'' Disaster on the Coastliner'' (1979) as Al Mitchell *'' East of Eden'' (1981 miniseries) as Samuel Hamilton *'' The Blue and the Gray'' (1982 miniseries) as Ben Geyser *''

'' (1983) as Jack Kelly *'' Paper Dolls'' (1984) as Grant Harper *''

'' (1984) (miniseries) as Caleb Quinn *''

'' (1985 miniseries) as White Knight *''

North and South North and South may refer to: Literature * ''North and South'' (Gaskell novel), an 1854 novel by Elizabeth Gaskell * ''North and South'' (trilogy), a series of novels by John Jakes (1982–1987) ** ''North and South'' (Jakes novel), first novel ...

'' (1986) (miniseries) as Confederate President Jefferson Davis *'' Dress Gray'' (1986) (miniseries) as Gen. Axel Rylander *'' Shining Time Station: 'Tis a Gift'' (PBS TV Special) as Mr. Nicholas *''

'' (1990) as Jo Jo Turner *'' Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean'' (1990) as Harry Helmsley *'' In The Nick Of Time'' (1991 Christmas Movie) as Santa Claus *''

'' (1993–1994) as Jake Terrel *'' The Other Woman'' as Jacob *'' The Outer Limits'' – " The Sandkings" (March 26, 1995) as Col. Kress (appeared with son Beau and grandson Dylan) *''

'' as Izzy Mandelbaum ** Season 8 episode The English Patient (March 13, 1997) ** Season 9 episode

(October 16, 1997)

References

External links

* *
March–April 2004 – United World, "publication of the Coalition for a Democratic World Government, News and Views."
*

fro
The Scuba Guy

1935 Yearbook Photo
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bridges, Lloyd 1913 births 1998 deaths American people of English descent American male film actors American male television actors Bridges family Hollywood blacklist Male Western (genre) film actors Male actors from the San Francisco Bay Area People from San Leandro, California People from Eureka, California United States Coast Guard officers University of California, Los Angeles alumni 20th-century American male actors United States Coast Guard Auxiliary officers United States Coast Guard personnel of World War II Military personnel from California