Parley Edward Baer (August 5, 1914 – November 22, 2002) was an American actor in

radio Radio is the technology of communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 3 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmitter connec ...

and later in television and film. Despite dozens of appearances in television series and theatrical films, he remains best known as the original "Chester" in the radio version of ''

Gunsmoke ''Gunsmoke'' is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. It centered on Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, during the settlement of the American West. The central charact ...

'', and as the Mayor of Mayberry (Roy Stoner) in ''

The Andy Griffith Show ''The Andy Griffith Show '' is an American sitcom television series that was aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968, with a total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons—159 in black and white and 90 in color. The series ...

''.

Early life, family and education

Parley Edward Baer was born in

Salt Lake City Salt Lake City, often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC, is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. It is the county seat of Salt Lake County, the most populous county in the state. The city is the core of the Salt Lake Ci ...

Utah Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also borders Wyoming to the northea ...

. He studied drama at the

University of Utah The University of Utah (the U, U of U, or simply Utah) is a public university, public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret (Book of Mormon), Deseret by the General A ...

Career

Baer had a

circus A circus is a company of performers who put on diverse entertainment shows that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, dancers, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, and unicy ...

background, but he began his radio career at Utah station KSL.

Circus

Early in his career, Baer was a circus ringmaster and publicist. He left those roles for military service in

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

. In the 1950s, he had a job training wild animals at

Jungleland USA Jungleland USA was a private zoo, animal training facility, and animal theme park in Thousand Oaks, California, United States, on the current site of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. At its peak the facility encompassed . History Louis G ...

Thousand Oaks, California Thousand Oaks is the second-largest city in Ventura County, California, located in the northwestern part of Greater Los Angeles. Approximately from the city of Los Angeles and from Downtown Los Angeles, it is named after the many oak trees pr ...

. Still later, he served as a

docent The term "docent" is derived from the Latin word , which is the third-person plural present active indicative of ('to teach, to lecture'). Becoming a docent is often referred to as habilitation or doctor of science and is an academic qualifi ...

at the

Los Angeles Zoo The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a zoo founded in 1966 and located in Los Angeles, California, United States. The city of Los Angeles owns the zoo, its land and facilities, and the animals. History Eastlake Zoo, opened in Eastlak ...

Military

Baer was commissioned as an officer in the

United States Army Air Forces The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF or AAF) was the major land-based aerial warfare service component of the United States Army and ''de facto'' aerial warfare service branch of the United States during and immediately after World War II ...

during

, attaining the rank of

Captain Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader or highest rank officer of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police depa ...

. He served from 1942 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater, earning an Army Presidential Unit Citation, the

American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military award of the United States Armed Forces which was first created on November 6, 1942, by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was intended to recognize those military members who had per ...

, the

Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal was a United States military award of the Second World War, which was awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945. The medal was create ...

, the

World War II Victory Medal The World War II Victory Medal was a service medal of the United States military which was established by an Act of Congress on 6 July 1945 (Public Law 135, 79th Congress) and promulgated by Section V, War Department Bulletin 12, 1945. Histo ...

and seven service stars.

Radio

Baer in the 1930s served on radio as director of special events for KSL. His first network show was '' The Whistler'', which was soon followed by appearances on '' Escape'' (notably narrating "Wild Jack Rhett" and as the title patriot in an adaptation of

Stephen Vincent Benét Stephen Vincent Benét ( ; July 22, 1898 – March 13, 1943) was an American poet, short story writer, and novelist. He wrote a book-length narrative poem of the American Civil War, '' John Brown's Body'', published in 1928, for which he receive ...

's "A Tooth for Paul Revere"), ''

Suspense Suspense is a state of anxiety or excitement caused by mysteriousness, uncertainty, doubt, or undecidedness. In a narrative work, suspense is the audience's excited anticipation about the plot or conflict (which may be heightened by a viol ...

'', '' Tales of the Texas Rangers'' (as various local sheriffs), '' Dragnet'', ''The

CBS Radio Workshop ''The CBS Radio Workshop'' was an experimental dramatic radio anthology series that aired on CBS from January 27, 1956, until September 22, 1957. Subtitled “radio’s distinguished series to man’s imagination,” it was a revival of the earli ...

'', ''

Lux Radio Theater ''Lux Radio Theatre'', sometimes spelled ''Lux Radio Theater'', a old-time radio, classic radio anthology series, was broadcast on the Blue Network, NBC Blue Network (1934–35) (owned by the National Broadcasting Company, later predecessor of A ...

'', '' The Six Shooter'', and ''

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ''Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar'' is a radio drama that aired on CBS Radio from February 18, 1949 to September 30, 1962. The first several seasons imagined protagonist Johnny Dollar as a private investigator drama, with Charles Russell, Edmond O ...

'', to name a few. In 1952, he began playing Chester, the trusty jailhouse assistant to Marshal Matt Dillon on the radio version of ''

'', eventually ad-libbing the character's full name, "Chester Wesley Proudfoot" (later changed to "Chester Goode" in the televised version of the series, which featured

Dennis Weaver Billy Dennis Weaver (June 4, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild, best known for his work in television and films from the early 1950s until just before his death in 2006. Weaver's two most ...

in the role of Chester). Baer also worked as a voice actor on several other radio shows produced by Norman MacDonnell, performing as Pete the Marshal on the

situation comedy A sitcom (short for situation comedy or situational comedy) is a genre of comedy produced for radio and television, that centers on a recurring cast of character (arts), characters as they navigate humorous situations within a consistent settin ...

'' The Harold Peary Show'', as Doc Clemens on ''Rogers of the Gazette'', and as additional characters on '' Fort Laramie'' and ''The Adventures of

Philip Marlowe Philip Marlowe ( ) is a fictional character created by Raymond Chandler who was characteristic of the hardboiled crime fiction genre. The genre originated in the 1920s, notably in '' Black Mask'' magazine, in which Dashiell Hammett's The Cont ...

''. Other recurring roles included Eb the farm hand on '' Granby's Green Acres'' (the radio predecessor to television's '' Green Acres''), Gramps on ''The Truitts'', and Rene the manservant on a radio version of ''

The Count of Monte Cristo ''The Count of Monte Cristo'' () is an adventure novel by the French writer Alexandre Dumas. It was serialised from 1844 to 1846, and published in book form in 1846. It is one of his most popular works, along with ''The Three Musketeers'' (184 ...

''. His later radio work included playing Reginald Duffield and Uncle Joe Finneman on the

Focus on the Family Focus on the Family (FOTF or FotF) is an American Christian fundamentalism, Evangelical Protestant organization founded in 1977 in Southern California by James Dobson, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The group is one of a number of Evangel ...

series ''

Adventures in Odyssey ''Adventures in Odyssey'' (AIO), or simply ''Odyssey'', is an Evangelical Christian radio drama and Radio comedy, comedy series created and produced by Focus on the Family. Aimed at families with children age 12 and younger, the series first air ...

'' in the 1980s and 1990s. Radio playwright and director

Norman Corwin Norman Lewis Corwin (May 3, 1910 – October 18, 2011) was an American writer, screenwriter, producer, essayist and teacher of journalism and writing. His earliest and biggest successes were in the writing and directing of radio drama during th ...

cast Baer as Simon Legree in the 1969

KCET KCET (channel 28) is a secondary PBS member television station in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is owned by the Public Media Group of Southern California alongside the market's primary PBS member, Huntington Beach–licensed KOC ...

television reading of his 1938 radio play '' The Plot to Overthrow Christmas''.

Films and television

As an on-camera performer, Baer was recognizable by his distinctive voice, his paunchy appearance, and his balding head. Often he portrayed fussy, bossy, and/or obstinate officials or neighbors. Extended television roles included blustering, by-the-book Mayor Stoner on ''

'', the neighbor Darby on ''

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet ''The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet'' is an American television sitcom that aired on American Broadcasting Company, ABC from October 3, 1952, to April 23, 1966, and starred the real-life Nelson family. After a long run on radio, the show was b ...

'', frequent guest appearances on ''

The Addams Family The Addams Family is a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. They originally appeared in a series of 150 standalone single-panel comics, about half of which were originally published in ''The New Yorker'' between 193 ...

'' as insurance man and city commissioner Arthur J. Henson, and in the late 1990s, Miles Dugan on ''

The Young and the Restless ''The Young and the Restless'' (often abbreviated as ''Y&R'') is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in the fictional Genoa City (named after the real-life Genoa City, Wiscon ...

''. He also appeared as a telephone executive on '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' Baer guest-starred in the 1950s on

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. It is one of NBCUniversal's ...

's ''The Dennis Day Show'' and '' It's a Great Life'', on CBS's ''Hey, Jeannie!'', on ABC's '' The Law and Mr. Jones'' with

James Whitmore James Allen Whitmore Jr. (October 1, 1921 – February 6, 2009) was an American actor. He received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Theatre World Award, and a Tony Award, plus two Ac ...

, on the syndicated

crime drama Crime film is a film belonging to the crime fiction genre. Films of this genre generally involve various aspects of crime and fiction. Stylistically, the genre may overlap and combine with many other genres, such as Drama (film and television), dr ...

'' Johnny Midnight'' with Edmond O'Brien, and on the NBC children's western series, '' Fury'' with

Peter Graves Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness; March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor who portrayed Jim Phelps in the television series ''Mission: Impossible (1966 TV series), Mission: Impossible'' from 1967 to 1973 and in its reviv ...

and Bobby Diamond. He made six guest appearances on '' Perry Mason'' during the last five seasons of the CBS legal drama, including the role of Edward Farraday in the 1962 episode, "The Case of the Captain's Coins," and Willard Hupp in the 1963 episode, "The Case of the Bouncing Boomerang". He also appeared on the ABC sitcom '' Harrigan and Son'', on the ABC/

Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (WBEI), commonly known as Warner Bros. (WB), is an American filmed entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California and the main namesake subsidiary of Warner Bro ...

crime drama, '' The Roaring 20s'', on NBC's crime drama ''Dan Raven'' starring Skip Homeier, and on the NBC family drama, '' National Velvet''. Baer was cast twice on

Walter Brennan Walter Andrew Brennan (July 25, 1894 – September 21, 1974) was an American actor and singer. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for ''Come and Get It (1936 film), Come and Get It'' (1936), ''Kentucky (film), Kentucky'' (19 ...

's sitcom, '' The Real McCoys''. He also guest-starred on the CBS sitcoms '' Dennis the Menace'' with Jay North, '' The Tom Ewell Show'' with Tom Ewell, and ''

Angel An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...

'', starring Annie Fargé. In the latter, he carried the lead as Dr. Mathews in the single episode "The Dentist", with Maudie Prickett as his dental secretary. In 1961, Baer guest-starred on Marilyn Maxwell's short-lived ABC drama series, ''

Bus Stop A bus stop is a place where Public transport bus service, buses stop for passengers to get on and off the bus. The construction of bus stops tends to reflect the level of usage, where stops at busy locations may have shelter (building), shelters ...

''. On April 13, 1962, he appeared, along with

Frank Ferguson Frank S. Ferguson (December 25, 1899 – September 12, 1978) was an American character actor with hundreds of appearances in both film and television. Background Ferguson was born in Ferndale, California, the younger of two children of W. Tho ...

and

Royal Dano Royal Edward Dano Sr. (November 16, 1922 – May 15, 1994) was an American actor. In a career spanning 46 years, he was perhaps best known for playing cowboys, villains, and Abraham Lincoln. Dano also provided the voice of the Audio-Animatronic ...

in ABC's

'' Target: The Corruptors'' in the episode "Journey into Mourning". He was cast as hotel owner Mr. Kringelein in the 1962 film, ''

Gypsy {{Infobox ethnic group , group = Romani people , image = , image_caption = , flag = Roma flag.svg , flag_caption = Romani flag created in 1933 and accepted at the 1971 World Romani Congress , po ...

'', opposite

Natalie Wood Natalie Wood (née Zacharenko; July 20, 1938 – November 29, 1981) was an American actress. She began acting at age four and co-starred at age eight in ''Miracle on 34th Street'' (1947). As a teenager, she was nominated for an Academy Award f ...

and

Rosalind Russell Catherine Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907November 28, 1976) was an American actress, model, comedian, screenwriter, and singer,Obituary '' Variety'', December 1, 1976, p. 79. known for her role as fast-talking newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson in ...

. In 1963, Baer appeared with Charles Aidman and Karl Swenson in the three-part episode "Security Risk", a story of international blackmail and intrigue, on the CBS anthology series, ''

GE True ''GE True'' (also known as ''General Electric True'') is a 33-episode, American anthology series sponsored by General Electric that aired from September 30, 1962, until May 26, 1963, with repeats through September 1963. Telecast on CBS, the ser ...

'', hosted by

Jack Webb John Randolph Webb (April 2, 1920 – December 23, 1982) was an American actor, television producer, Television director, director, and screenwriter, most famous for his role as Joe Friday in the Dragnet (franchise), ''Dragnet'' franchise ...

. In 1964, Baer was cast as a

sheriff A sheriff is a government official, with varying duties, existing in some countries with historical ties to England where the office originated. There is an analogous, although independently developed, office in Iceland, the , which is common ...

in an episode of

Mickey Rooney Mickey Rooney (born Ninnian Joseph Yule Jr.; other pseudonym Mickey Maguire; September 23, 1920 – April 6, 2014) was an American actor. In a career spanning nearly nine decades, he appeared in more than 300 films and was among the last survivi ...

's short-lived '' Mickey'' sitcom, and as a scientist in an ''Outer Limits'' episode, "Behold, Eck!" He was seen in four episodes of ''

Hogan's Heroes ''Hogan's Heroes'' is an American television sitcom created by Bernard Fein and Albert S. Ruddy which is set in a Prisoner-of-war camp, prisoner-of-war (POW) camp in Nazi Germany during World War II, and centers around a group of Allied prisoner ...

'' and eight episodes of '' Bewitched'' in various roles as advertising clients of McMann and Tate. Baer was cast as

Horace Greeley Horace Greeley (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872) was an American newspaper editor and publisher who was the founder and newspaper editor, editor of the ''New-York Tribune''. Long active in politics, he served briefly as a congres ...

, who came to

Colorado Colorado is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States. It is one of the Mountain states, sharing the Four Corners region with Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. It is also bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas ...

in 1859 in the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, in the 1965 episode "The Great Turkey War" of the syndicated series, ''

Death Valley Days ''Death Valley Days'' is an American Western (genre), Western anthology series featuring true accounts of the American Old West, particularly the Death Valley country of southeastern California. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program was ...

''. In 1967, Baer appeared as General Whitfield on the ''

I Dream of Jeannie ''I Dream of Jeannie'' is an American Fantasy television, fantasy sitcom television series created by Sidney Sheldon and starring Barbara Eden as a beautiful but guileless 2,000-year-old Jinn, genie and Larry Hagman as an astronaut with whom s ...

'' episode, "Fly Me to the Moon". Baer made two appearances on ''

Petticoat Junction ''Petticoat Junction'' is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 1963 to April 1970. The series takes place at the Shady Rest Hotel, which is run by Kate Bradley; her three daughters Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, an ...

''. In the 1966 episode, "Jury at the Shady Rest", he was Bailiff Tucker. Then, in the 1969 episode, "The Glen Tinker Caper", he was Judge Madison. Later guest appearances included '' Three for the Road'', ''

Three's Company ''Three's Company'' is an American television sitcom that aired for eight seasons on ABC from March 15, 1977, to September 18, 1984. Developed by Don Nicholl, Michael Ross and Bernie West, it is based on the British sitcom '' Man About the ...

'' (as a cooking competition judge), '' The San Pedro Beach Bums'', ''

The A-Team ''The A-Team'' is an American Action television, action television series that ran on NBC from January 23, 1983, to March 8, 1987, about a fictional team of former United States Army Special Forces who work as mercenaries while on the run from ...

'', '' Star Trek: Voyager'', ''

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' is an American television sitcom created by Andy and Susan Borowitz that aired on NBC from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996. The series stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart ...

'', ''

The Dukes of Hazzard ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' is an American action comedy television series created by Gy Waldron that aired on CBS from January 26, 1979, to February 8, 1985, with a total of seven seasons consisting of List of The Dukes of Hazzard episodes, 147 ...

'', ''

Night Court ''Night Court'' is an American television sitcom that premiered on NBC on January 4, 1984, and ended on May 31, 1992, after nine seasons consisting of List of Night Court episodes, 193 episodes. The show is set in the night shift of a Manhattan ...

'', ''

Newhart ''Newhart'' is an American television sitcom that aired on CBS from October 25, 1982, to May 21, 1990, with a total of 184 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons. The series stars Bob Newhart and Mary Frann as an author and his wife, respe ...

'', ''

Little House on the Prairie The ''Little House on the Prairie'' books comprise a series of American children's novels written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (b. Laura Elizabeth Ingalls). The stories are based on her childhood and adulthood in the Midwestern United States, Americ ...

'', ''

The Golden Girls ''The Golden Girls'' is an American sitcom created by Susan Harris that aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, to May 9, 1992, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes, spanning seven seasons. The show's ensemble cast stars Beatrice Arthur, Betty ...

'', ''

Hazel Hazels are plants of the genus ''Corylus'' of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The genus is usually placed in the birch family, Betulaceae,Germplasmgobills Information Network''Corylus''Rushforth, K ...

'', and '' Mad About You''. He also played the role of the minister who married J. R. and Sue Ellen Ewing for their second marriage on ''

Dallas Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...

''. He also made guest appearances on '' F Troop''. Baer's film roles included parts in several

live-action Live action is a form of cinematography or videography that uses photography instead of animation. Some works combine live action with animation to create a live-action animated feature film. Live action is used to define film, video games or ...

Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment industry, entertainment conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank), Walt Di ...

features, including '' Follow Me, Boys!'' (again as a mayor), ''

The Ugly Dachshund ''The Ugly Dachshund'' is a 1966 American comedy film directed by Norman Tokar, written by Albert Aley, and starring Dean Jones (actor), Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette in a story about a Great Dane who believes he is a dachshund. Produced by Wal ...

'', and ''Those Calloways''. He also appeared in '' Two on a Guillotine'' and '' Dave'' (as the

Senate majority leader The positions of majority leader and minority leader are held by two United States senators and people of the party leadership of the United States Senate. They serve as chief spokespersons for their respective political parties, holding the ...

). Baer had a featured role in the 1958 war drama '' The Young Lions'', portraying a German officer and friend of

Marlon Brando Marlon Brando Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American actor. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cinema actors of the 20th century,''Movies in American History: An Encyclopedia''

. Baer was especially proud of his brief appearance in the film, '' White Dog'', a powerful story about

racism Racism is the belief that groups of humans possess different behavioral traits corresponding to inherited attributes and can be divided based on the superiority of one Race (human categorization), race or ethnicity over another. It may also me ...

. Baer plays a character seen at first as a kindly grandfather, only to reveal himself as a hateful bigot who has trained the title character to attack black skin. Baer remarked, "Often racism, like true evil, presents itself with a smile and a handshake". Some ten years earlier, Baer played a closet racist in a Christmas episode of ''Bewitched''. The episode " Sisters at Heart" aired on ABC on December 24, 1970, in which he played the role of Mr. Brockway, the owner of a toy-manufacturing firm.Metz (2007), p. 64.

Commercials

Baer voiced Ernie Keebler in the cookie commercials before he suffered a

stroke Stroke is a medical condition in which poor cerebral circulation, blood flow to a part of the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: brain ischemia, ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and intracranial hemorrhage, hemor ...

in 1997 which affected both speech and movement. He recovered sufficiently to make a handful of appearances at

old-time radio The Golden Age of Radio, also known as the old-time radio (OTR) era, was an era of radio in the United States where it was the dominant electronic home entertainment medium. It began with the birth of commercial radio broadcasting in the earl ...

conventions in his later years. In the 1980s he dressed in old-time garb as "Mr. S", one of the company founders, in commercials for S&W Fine Foods.

Personal life and death

In 1946, Baer met and married circus aerialist and bareback rider Ernestine Clarke. They were together for 54 years until her death on August 5, 2000, in Tarzana, California. Baer was a long-term member of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in

Encino, California Encino is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. History Etymology The name Encino is the misspelling in masculine of Encina, the Spanish language, Spanish word for "holm oak” (Quercus ilex). The Spanis ...

, where he served in many capacities, including head usher. In 1969, Baer gave the eulogy at the funeral of ''

'' castmate Howard McNear. McNear had portrayed Mayberry's Floyd the Barber and Baer had played Mayor Roy Stoner. McNear also portrayed Doc Adams in the radio version of ''Gunsmoke'', often interacting with Baer's character, Chester Proudfoot. On November 11, 2002, following another

, Baer was taken to the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. Eleven days later, at the age of 88, he died there.

Filmography

* '' The Kid from Texas'' (1950) as Off-Screen Narrator (voice, uncredited) * '' Comanche Territory'' (1950) as Boozer, the Bartender * ''

Union Station A union station, union terminal, joint station, or joint-use station is a railway station at which the tracks and facilities are shared by two or more separate railway company, railway companies, allowing passengers to connect conveniently bet ...

'' (1950) as Detective Gottschalk * '' The Company She Keeps'' (1951) as Steve (uncredited) * ''

Three Guys Named Mike ''Three Guys Named Mike'' is a 1951 American romantic comedy film directed by Charles Walters and starring Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, and Barry Sullivan.

'' (1951) as Bakery Truck Driver (uncredited) * '' Air Cadet'' (1951) as Major Jim Evans * '' The Fat Man'' (1951) as Police Detective O'Halloran (uncredited) * '' The Frogmen'' (1951) as Dr. Ullman (uncredited) * '' People Will Talk'' (1951) as Toy Store Salesman (uncredited) * ''

Elopement Elopement is a marriage which is conducted in a sudden and secretive fashion, sometimes involving a hurried flight away from one's place of residence together with one's beloved with the intention of getting married without parental approval. A ...

'' (1952) as Dr. Henry (uncredited) * '' Red Skies of Montana'' (1952) as Dr. Henry (uncredited) * ''The Dennis Day Show'' (1952, TV Series) * '' Deadline – U.S.A.'' (1952) as Headwaiter (uncredited) * '' Fearless Fagan'' (1952) as Emil Tauchnitz * '' Something for the Birds'' (1952) as Refrigerator Deliveryman (uncredited) * '' Dragnet'' (1952, TV Series) as Father on Phone / District Attorney * '' Pickup on South Street'' (1953) as Headquarters Communist in Chair (uncredited) * '' Vicki'' (1953) as 2nd Detective (uncredited) * ''

The Gambler from Natchez ''The Gambler from Natchez'' is a 1954 American Western film directed by Henry Levin and starring Dale Robertson and Debra Paget. It was Robertson's favorite among his own films. Plot In 1848, after four years away from New Orleans, Vance Col ...

'' (1954) as Riverboat Captain (uncredited) * ''

The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show ''The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show'', sometimes called ''The Burns and Allen Show'', is a half-hour television sitcom broadcast from 1950 to 1958 on CBS. It starred George Burns and Gracie Allen, one of the most enduring acts in entertainm ...

'' (1954, TV Series) as Detective Sharkey * ''

The Loretta Young Show ''The Loretta Young Show'' (originally known as ''Letter to Loretta'') is an American anthology drama television series broadcast on Sunday nights from September 2, 1953, to June 4, 1961, on NBC for a total of 165 episodes. The series was hoste ...

'' (1954, TV Series) as Mr. Banner * ''

Father Knows Best ''Father Knows Best'' is an American sitcom starring Robert Young (actor), Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray (actor), Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin. The series, which began on radio in 1949, aired as a television show for six ...

'' (1955, TV Series) as Lyle * ''

The Bob Cummings Show ''The Bob Cummings Show'' (also known in reruns as ''Love That Bob'') is an American sitcom starring Bob Cummings, which was broadcast from January 2, 1955, to September 15, 1959. The program began with a half-season run on NBC, then ran for ...

'' (1955, TV Series) as Wester * ''

Our Miss Brooks ''Our Miss Brooks'' is an American sitcom starring Eve Arden as a sardonic high-school English teacher. It began as a Old Time Radio, radio show broadcast on CBS from 1948 to 1957. When the show was adapted to television (1952–56), it became ...

'' (1952-1955, TV Series) as Mr Maynard / Mr Chambers / Bennett * ''

Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...

'' (1956, TV Series) (Season 1 Episode 27: "Help Wanted") as Police Detective Gryar * '' D-Day the Sixth of June'' (1956) as Sgt. Gerbert (uncredited) * '' Away All Boats'' (1956) as Dr. Gates * '' December Bride'' (1956, TV Series) * '' Drango'' (1957) as George Randolph * ''

I Love Lucy ''I Love Lucy'' is an American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes spanning six seasons. The series starred Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, along with Vivian ...

'' (1955-1957, TV Series) as Mr. Perry / Mr. Reilly * '' Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre'' (1956-1957, TV Series) as Enos Finney / Mr. Fitch / Fitch * '' Official Detective'' (1958, TV Series) as Sam Goodwin * '' The Young Lions'' (1958) as Sergeant Brandt * ''

Paul Bunyan Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack and folk hero in American and Canadian folklore. His tall tales revolve around his superhuman labors, and he is customarily accompanied by Babe the Blue Ox, his pet and working animal. The character originate ...

'' (1958) as Chris Crosshaul * '' The FBI Story'' (1959) as Harry Dakins * '' Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse'' (1959, TV Series) as Gaunt * ''

Zane Grey Theater ''Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre'' is an American Westerns on television, Western anthology television series broadcast on CBS from October 5, 1956 until May 18, 1961. Synopsis Many episodes were based on novels by Zane Grey, to all of which ...

'' (1956-1959, TV Series) as Frank Lloyd / Clem Doud / Mayor Homer Bellam / Dan Morriss * '' Cash McCall'' (1960) as Harvey Bannon * '' Wake Me When It's Over'' (1960) as Col. Archie Hollingsworth * ''

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ''Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'' is a picaresque novel by American author Mark Twain that was first published in the United Kingdom in December 1884 and in the United States in February 1885. Commonly named among the Great American Novels, th ...

'' (1960) as Grangeford Man * '' Make Room for Daddy'' (1956-1960, TV Series) as Mr. Denton, Postal Inspector / Mr. Kendall / Mr. Haynes * '' The Real McCoys'' (1958-1960, TV Series) as Mr. Venable / Mr. Saunders * ''

The Rifleman ''The Rifleman'' is an American Western television series starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show ...

'' (1959-1961, TV Series) as Neff Packer / Walter Mathers * '' Dennis the Menace'' (1959-1962, TV Series) as Mr. Pindyck / Capt. Blast * '' The Tom Ewell Show'' (1960, TV Series) as Mayor Bradford * '' A Fever in the Blood'' (1961) as Charles 'Charlie' Bosworth * '' The Dick Powell Theatre'' (1962, TV Series) as Lieutenant Hockberg * ''

General Electric Theater ''General Electric Theater'' is an American anthology series hosted by Ronald Reagan that was broadcast on CBS radio and television. The series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations. Radio After an audition show ...

'' (1954-1962, TV Series) as Harvey Seymour / Mayor Douglas / Haveman * '' Bachelor Father'' (1962, TV Series) as Dr. Whittaker * '' The Spiral Road'' (1962) as Mr. Boosmans * '' Have Gun - Will Travel'' (1959-1962, TV Series) as Reston - Townsman / Sam Thurber / John Ellsworth (ironically playing a character whose death was connected to a traveling circus schedule) * '' Laramie'' (1962, TV Series) as Fred McAllen * ''

'' (1962) as Mr. Kringelein * ''

'' (1962-1963, TV Series) as Mayor Roy Stoner * '' Rawhide'' (1963, TV Series) as Bryant / Dinny * '' Dr. Kildare'' (1963, TV Series) as Dr. James Connors * ''

Wagon Train ''Wagon Train'' is an American Western television series that aired for eight seasons, first on the NBC television network (1957–1962) and then on ABC (1962–1965). ''Wagon Train'' debuted on September 18, 1957, and reached the top of the ...

'' (1962-1963, TV Series) as George Talley / John Maitland / Clyde Montgomery * ''

77 Sunset Strip ''77 Sunset Strip'' is an American private detective crime drama television series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Roger Smith, Richard Long (from 1960 to 1961) and Edd Byrnes (billed as Edward Byrnes). Each epis ...

'' (1964, TV Series) as Charlie Cornwall * ''

The Jack Benny Program ''The Jack Benny Program'', starring Jack Benny, is a radio and television comedy series. The show ran for over three decades, from 1932 to 1955 on radio, and from 1950 to 1965 on television. It won numerous awards, including the 1959 and 19 ...

'' (1964, TV Series) as Charlie Cornwall * '' The Brass Bottle'' (1964) as Samuel Wackerbath * '' Bedtime Story'' (1964) as Colonel Williams * '' The Outer Limits'' (1964, TV Series) as Dr. Bernard Stone * '' Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre'' (1964, TV Series) as Leonard F. Bellack * '' The Joey Bishop Show'' (1964, TV Series) as Judge * '' Two on a Guillotine'' (1965) as 'Buzz' Sheridan * ''

Those Calloways ''Those Calloways'' is a 1964 American family drama film, adapted from the 1950 children's novel ''Swiftwater'' by Paul Annixter. The film was produced by Walt Disney and directed by Norman Tokar. It was the last credit for veteran film composer ...

'' (1965) as Doane Shattuck * ''

'' (1965, TV Series) as Mr. Rowland * '' Bus Riley's Back in Town'' (1965) as Jules Griswald * '' Fluffy'' (1965) as Police Captain * '' The Money Trap'' (1965) as Banker (scenes deleted) * '' Marriage on the Rocks'' (1965) as Dr. Newman (uncredited) * ''

My Favorite Martian ''My Favorite Martian'' is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from September 29, 1963, to May 1, 1966, for 107 episodes. The show stars Ray Walston as "Uncle Martin" (the Martian) and Bill Bixby as Tim O'Hara. ''My Favorite Martian'' was th ...

'' (1965, TV Series) as Mr. Babcock * ''

'' (1963-1965, TV Series) as Horace Greeley / Sager / Dr. Simon / Crowder * '' The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet'' (TV Series) (1953-1965, TV Series) as Herb Darby / Attorney Hopkins * '' F Troop'' (1965, TV Series) as Colonel Watkins * '' Burke's Law'' (1965, TV Series) as Colonel Pavlov Popoff * '' The Farmer's Daughter'' (1965-1966, TV Series) as Mr. Rapp / Otto Olsen * ''

'' (1966) as Mel Chadwick * ''

Bonanza ''Bonanza'' is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 431 episodes, ''Bonanza'' is NBC's longest-running Western, the second-longest-running Western series on ...

'' (1961-1966, TV Series) as Harry Crawford / Frank Armstead / Jack Cunningham * ''

'' (1965-1966, TV Series) as Mayor Arthur J. Henson * '' Perry Mason'' (1961-1966, TV Series) as Frank Cummings / Ian Jarvis / Willard Hupp / David Bickel / Edward Farraday / Seward Quentin * '' Follow Me, Boys!'' (1966) as Mayor * '' The Fugitive'' (1964-1967, TV Series) as Al Cooney / Lee Burroughs * ''

The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin ''The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin'' is a 1967 American Western (genre), Western comedy film directed by James Neilson (director), James Neilson, produced by Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Productions, and starring Roddy McDowall, Suzanne ...

'' (1967) as Chief Executioner * '' The Phyllis Diller Show'' (1966-1967, TV Series) as Morgan / Derwin * '' Rango'' (1967, TV Series) as Wilkins * '' Laredo'' (1967, TV Series) as Alcott Willingham * ''

The Gnome-Mobile ''The Gnome-Mobile'' is a 1967 American fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney Productions. Based on the 1936 book ''The Gnomobile'' by Upton Sinclair, it was one of the last films personally supervised by W ...

'' (1967) as The Owl (voice, uncredited) * ''

'' (1967, TV Series) as General Whiston * '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' (1966-1967, TV Series) as Judson Travers / Mr. Corbett * ''

The Lucy Show ''The Lucy Show'' is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1962 to 1968. It was Lucille Ball's follow-up to ''I Love Lucy''. A significant change in cast and premise for the fourth season (1965–1966) divides the program into two distinct ...

'' (1962-1967, TV Series) as Dr. Davis / Colonel Dietrich / Judge / Mr. Evans * '' Lassie'' (1968, TV Series) as Austin Redmond / Austin Richmond * '' Day of the Evil Gun'' (1968) as Willford * ''

Counterpoint In music theory, counterpoint is the relationship of two or more simultaneous musical lines (also called voices) that are harmonically dependent on each other, yet independent in rhythm and melodic contour. The term originates from the Latin ...

'' (1968) as Hook * '' Judd for the Defense'' (1968, TV Series) as Magistrate * '' Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?'' (1968) as Dr. Dudley Caldwell * '' Ironside'' (1968, TV Series) as Everett Brandt / Commander Stevens * '' The Name of the Game'' (1969, TV Series) as Doctor * '' Land of the Giants'' (1969, TV Series) as Senator Obek * '' Young Billy Young'' (1969) as Bell * ''

The Doris Day Show ''The Doris Day Show'' is an American sitcom which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1968 until March 1973, remaining on the air for five seasons and 128 episodes. The series is remembered for its multiple format and cast chang ...

'' (1969, TV Series) as Mr. Thornby * ''

'' (1965-1969, TV Series) as Julius Schlager / Doctor Pohlmann / Colonel Burmeister / Professor Altman * ''

Mannix ''Mannix'' is an American detective television series that originally aired for eight seasons on CBS from September 16, 1967, to March 13, 1975. The show was created by Richard Levinson and William Link, and developed by executive producer ...

'' (1970, TV Series) as Archie * ''

'' (1965-1970, TV Series) as Mr. Bellingham / Judge Madison / Judge Turner / Bailiff Vince Tucker / Henry Phillips * '' The F.B.I.'' (1965-1970, TV Series) as Newman / Vernon Daniels / Jake Jason * '' The Bill Cosby Show'' (1970, TV Series) as Mr. Tyler * '' The Virginian'' (1962-1970, TV Series) as Henderson / Judge Jeremiah Pitt / Pat Magill / The Senator * '' Green Acres'' (1965-1971, TV Series) as Lieutenant Governor / Mister Peterson / Mr. Treffinger / Mr. Webster * '' Skin Game'' (1971) as Mr. Claggart * '' Mod Squad'' (1971, TV Series) as Koger * ''

Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color The Walt Disney Company has produced an anthology series, anthology television series since 1954 under several titles and formats. The program's current title, ''The Wonderful World of Disney'', was used from 1969 to 1979 and again from 1991 onwa ...

'' (1959-1971, TV Series) as Mayor Hancock * ''

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 third ...

'' (1971, TV Series) as Dr. Cunningham * '' Bewitched'' (1966-1972, TV Series) as Walter Franklin / Mr. Burkeholder / Mr. Brockway / Desk Sergeant / Mr. Nickerson / Bigelow / Dr. Matthew Kramer / James Dennis Robinson * '' Medical Center'' (1971-1973, TV Series) as Farraday / Dr. Fred Elter * ''

Kung Fu Chinese martial arts, commonly referred to with umbrella terms Kung fu (term), kung fu (; ), kuoshu () or wushu (sport), wushu (), are Styles of Chinese martial arts, multiple fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in Greater Ch ...

'' (1973, TV Series) as Dr. Gormley * ''Sixteen'' (1973) as The Reverend * ''

The Streets of San Francisco ''The Streets of San Francisco'' is an American television crime drama filmed on location in San Francisco and produced by Quinn Martin, with the first season produced in association with Warner Bros. Television (QM produced the show on its ow ...

'' (1976, TV Series) as Jack Leopold * '' The Amazing Dobermans'' (1976) as Septimus, Circus Owner * '' The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries'' (1977, TV Series) as Doc Wilson * ''

Charlie's Angels ''Charlie's Angels'' is an American crime drama television series created by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts for ABC. It originally aired from September 22, 1976, to June 24, 1981, airing for five seasons consisting of 115 episodes. It was produ ...

'' (1978-1979, TV Series) as Grandpa / Captain Jack McGuire * '' The Incredible Hulk'' (1979, TV Series) as Raymond Harmell * '' B.J. and the Bear'' (1980, TV Series) as Mayor * ''

'' (1976-1980, TV Series) as Mr. Williams / J.W. Diamond * ''

WKRP in Cincinnati ''WKRP in Cincinnati'' is an American sitcom television series about the misadventures of the staff of a struggling fictional AM radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson. It was based upon his experiences obs ...

'' (1980, TV Series) as Mr. Armor * ''

Knots Landing ''Knots Landing'' is an American primetime television soap opera that aired on CBS from December 27, 1979, to May 13, 1993. A spin-off of ''Dallas (TV series), Dallas'', it was set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles and initially cente ...

'' (1981, TV Series) as Old Man * ''

Carbon Copy Before the development of photographic copiers, a carbon copy was the under-copy of a typed or written document placed over carbon paper and the under-copy sheet itself (not to be confused with the carbon print family of photographic reproduc ...

'' (1981) as Dr. Bristol * ''An Ozzie and Harriet Christmas'' (1981, TV special on

KTLA KTLA (channel 5) is a television station in Los Angeles, California, United States, serving as the West Coast flagship station of The CW. It is the largest directly owned property of the network's majority owner, Nexstar Media Group, and is ...

Los Angeles Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...

) as self * '' Hart to Hart'' (1982, TV Series) as Constantine Wainwright * '' Lou Grant'' (1979-1982, TV Series) as Ray Elders / Carlton Stiefel / Haggerty / Sheriff Burkhardt * '' White Dog'' (1982) as Wilber Hull * '' Father Murphy'' (1982, TV Series) as Banker * ''

'' (1982, TV Series) as Minister Brown * '' Archie Bunker's Place'' (1983, TV Series) as Judge Anthony Barzini * '' Doctor Detroit'' (1983) as Judge * ''

'' (1983, TV Series) as Bert Landers * ''

'' (1984, TV Series) as Max Klein * '' Chattanooga Choo Choo'' (1984) as Alonzo Dillard * ''

'' (1981-1984, TV Series) as Doc Appleby * '' Pray for Death'' (1985) as Sam Green * ''

Simon & Simon ''Simon & Simon'' is an American crime drama television series that originally ran from November 24, 1981, to September 16, 1989. The series was broadcast on CBS, and starred Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker as two disparate brothers who ope ...

'' (1986, TV Series) as Tourist Husband * ''Flag'' (1986) * ''

'' (1984-1987, TV Series) as Buck * ''

'' (1987, TV Series) as Chester T. Rainey * ''

'' (1988, TV Series) as Judge Sims * ''

License to Drive ''License to Drive'' is a 1988 American teen comedy film written by Neil Tolkin and directed by Greg Beeman in his feature film directorial debut. It stars Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Heather Graham, and Carol Kane. The film was in produ ...

'' (1988) as Grandpa Anderson * ''Time Trackers'' (1989) as Lucius * ''

Growing Pains ''Growing Pains'' is an American television sitcom created by Neal Marlens that ran on ABC for seven seasons from September 24, 1985, to April 25, 1992. The series follows the misadventures of the Seaver family, including psychiatrist and fathe ...

'' (1989, TV Series) as Counterman * '' Almost an Angel'' (1990) as George Bealeman * ''

Beverly Hills, 90210 ''Beverly Hills, 90210'' (often referred to as ''90210'') is an American teen drama television series created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling via his production company Spelling Television. The series ran for 10 seasons on Fo ...

'' (1991, TV Series) as Al Brown * ''

Quantum Leap Quantum leap or ''variation'', may refer to: In general * Quantum leap (physics), also known as quantum jump, a transition between quantum states ** Atomic electron transition, a key example of the physics phenomenon * Paradigm shift, a sudden ch ...

'' (1991-1992, TV Series) as Judge Shiner / Dr. Rogers * ''Space Case'' (1992) as Bitby * '' Mad About You'' (1993, TV Series) as The Husband * ''

'' (1993, TV Series) as Woodrow * '' Dave'' (1993) as Senate Majority Leader * ''King B: A Life in the Movies'' (1993) as Walter Dent * ''

'' (1993-1996, TV Series) as Miles Dugan * ''

L.A. Law ''L.A. Law'' is an American legal drama television series created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher for NBC. It ran for eight seasons and List of L.A. Law episodes, 172 episodes from September 15, 1986, to May 19, 1994. The series cente ...

'' (1990-1994, TV Series) as Supreme Court Judge Parker * '' Roswell'' (1994) as Civilian Advisor * '' Renegade'' (1994) as Wesley * '' Last of the Dogmen'' (1995) as Mr. Hollis * '' Coach'' (1995, TV Series) as Frank * '' Star Trek: Voyager'' (1996, TV Series) as Old Man #1

Listen to

Interview with Parley Baer (following ''Dick Tracy'' episode)

References

Bibliography

* *

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Baer, Parley 1914 births 2002 deaths 20th-century American Episcopalians 20th-century American male actors American male film actors American male radio actors American male television actors American male voice actors Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) Male actors from Salt Lake City Male actors from Utah Military personnel from Utah United States Army Air Forces officers United States Army Air Forces personnel of World War II