Steve Franken

Of all the talented actors that have been profiled on this blog, no one has lived up to the title of Not Very Famous...but should be better than the late Steve Franken. The proof is in his work that started in the early days of television and lasted until his death in 2012.

And while the name may not be familiar, his face will bring an instant smile to anyone that should stumble upon his work. Television buffs know him as the rich teen, Chatsworth Osborne, Jr., on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, or as the murderer in The Case of the Deadly Verdict, which was the only episode that Perry Mason lost, as well as numerous comic characters on Bewitched and Love American Style, just to name a few.

And while his television work is memorable, it's his role as the drunken butler in the 1968 Blake Edwards film, The Party, that will forever make one wonder as to why this guy was not a household name. For in that one movie, Steve Franken does not only upstage the comic genius of Peter Sellers, but he does it throughout the entire film.

Had The Party come out today, Steve Franken would  have most likely become an instant host of Saturday Night Live and probably would have had a career similar to Steve Carell. Alas, the God's of fame work in mysterious ways and while we're blessed that his supporting roles in television and film are still around for generations to enjoy, we're left to ponder what might have been had he had the chance with a leading comedic role.

Alex Cord

What made television so memorable in the early days, besides the writing, were the guest actors that appeared each week on shows like Ben Casey, Naked City, Route 66 and Gunsmoke. One of those guest stars that made a huge contribution to the success of television was Alex Cord.

He's probably best known today for his work as Archangel on Airwolf, but add that to his whole body of work and you have an actor that should have been more well known than he actually is.

When he was cast as The Ringo Kid, in the highly anticipated 1966 remake of the John Ford Classic, Stagecoach, it looked like his career was about to take off. Unfortunately for Alex Cord, the critics and fans of the original western were not kind to the movie and were not happy to see anyone else except John Wayne play the role that made him famous.

After Stagecoach, a film career never developed and this gifted actor returned to television where he had an excellent run as a guest star in everything from The Love Boat to Walker, Texas Ranger. Had his first major film role not been a remake of a cherished classic, Alex Cord's career in Hollywood may have taken a different turn. He certainly had the looks and talent to be a major star, but like so many other gifted actors, he is now a lifetime member of the Not Very Famous...but should be.

ADDENDUM

Alex Cord passed away on August 9, 2021 at the age of 88. Shortly after this blog post dropped, I was contacted by Mr. Cord who asked if I could interview him for a follow up. I was excited to do this and sent him a list of questions. Sadly, for reasons I do not know, he never responded. Rest in peace. His wonderful work will live on.

Jenny Wright

Jenny Wright first caught my eye in the Off-Broadway production of Album, where she co-starred with a then unknown Kevin Bacon and Keith Gordon, who has not been profiled on this blog yet, but should.

Supporting roles in The World According to Garp, Pink Floyd's The Wall and the made-for-television movie, The Executioner's Song followed, which lead to more exposure in The Brat Pack films, St. Elmo's Fire and Out of Bounds.

Had Jenny Wright continued on this path, she most likely would have moved up the Hollywood ladder. She certainly had the talent to be a major star. Instead, she went the independent route with top-notch performances in Near Dark, Twister (not the Helen Hunt movie) and I, Madman.

Fans of her independent work know of her potential. For those only familiar with her mainstream movies - you are missing out. Jenny Wright has since retired from acting, but will occasionally show up at b-movie conventions. This wonderful actress is still young enough to make a comeback. Let's keep our fingers crossed that she'll some day return. We miss you Ms. Wright.