Don Marshall (actor)
Encyclopedia
Donald James Marshall is an actor
best known for his role as "Dan Erickson" in the television show Land of the Giants
.
He was one of four children and was schooled at San Diego High School
. He was studying engineering between 1956 and 1957, and was encouraged to try acting by a friend, Peter Bren. Marshall was still in the army at this time. He studied acting at the Bob Gist Dramatic Workshop, while studying Theatre Arts at Los Angeles City College
.
Marshall has provided consultation on matters connected with his work and with racial issues, and has received an award for "Outstanding Achievement in his field as a Black Achiever in the United States".
. In 1964 he took the role of Chris Logan, playing opposite Nichelle Nichols
in Great Gettin' Up Mornin', a TV production about an African-American family preparing their children for their first day at a racially integrated school in America's south.
In 1965, Marshall appeared in a pilot for a series Braddock. In 1966 he appeared as Luke in Daktari
, in the episodes Predator of Wameru, The Killer Lion and Trail of the Cheetah.
Later in the 1960s he appeared in Star Trek
and he became known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Boma in the episode "The Galileo Seven". Other TV series he appeared in were Tarzan, Dragnet and Ironside. In 1968 he appeared as Ted Neumann, the recurring love interest of Julia Baker, in the television series Julia
, a series about an African-American widow raising her son on her own.
with men under a newly commissioned lieutenant who are trapped on a hill surrounded by the enemy. His character as Pvt. Carver LeMoyne was subject to continual racial abuse by Cpl. Leroy Sprague played by Warren Oates
. The film also starred Ken Berry
, Jim Hutton
, Ralph Meeker
, Cameron Mitchell
and Trini Lopez
.
In the seventies he set up his own company called DJM Productions, Inc., which produced television commercials and documentary films.
as Caleb Ledoux, as Doctor Jim Blair in Finder of Lost Loves and as Senator Ed Lawrence in Capitol
.
In 1992 he played the concierge in the Paul Schneider
directed TV drama Highway Heartbreaker.
, acting alongside Gary Conway
, Don Matheson
, Kurt Kasznar
, Stefan Arngrim
, Deanna Lund
and Heather Young.
In what was possibly a ground breaking casting decision, the Irwin Allen
created series featured Marshall as a competent African-American in a leading role. This was possibly the first for an African American to be featured in such a prominent role as Dan Erickson in what was to become such a popular TV series. This was also a first for an African American male in the 1960s to be featured so prominently in Science Fiction, quite advanced for the time. The only other African American actor to be in such a position in the 1960s was Nichelle Nichols
known for her role as Uhura
in the TV series "Star Trek
".
On set the actors had to perform many of their own stunts and Marshall's athletism came in handy, he credited his previous football, track and pole vaulting work that helped him with the stunts required. In one of the episodes, "Ghost Town", while diving over a fire, Marshall actually dislocated his shoulder and the next day they had to shoot new scenes with Marshall's arm in a sling. Another episode "Giants and All That Jazz" that featured former world champion boxer Sugar Ray Robinson
as Biff Bowers and Mike Mazurki
as Loach, where Marshall had to teach Biff Bowers how to play the trumpet was one that Marshall in his own words calls "Beautiful" seems to be a favourite of his and made him want to act rather than follow or figure out what dialogue to use or say. He also says that actors had a better time on the set when Irwin Allen wasn't on the set. When he was it was much different and people would get uptight.
In recent years Marshall has written a script for a sequel to the series called Escape from a Giant Land. He hopes that this would be a big screen production and would feature as many of the original cast members as possible.
Marshall went on to play the part of Dr. Fred Williams in the 1972 science-fiction horror exploitation film The Thing with Two Heads
that starred Ray Milland
and Rosey Grier
. This was a tale about a wealthy and racist white man who has his head transplanted onto the body of a black prisoner from death row.
In 1976 he played the part of Captain Colter in an episode of The Bionic Woman
and in 1979 he was in a two-part episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
. He appeared in Planet of the Slave Girls as Julio, and in 1980 in three episodes of The Incredible Hulk.
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
best known for his role as "Dan Erickson" in the television show Land of the Giants
Land of the Giants
Land of the Giants was an hour-long American science fiction television program lasting two seasons beginning on September 22, 1968 and ending on March 22, 1970. The show was created and produced by Irwin Allen. Land of the Giants was the fourth of Allen's science fiction TV series. The show was...
.
He was one of four children and was schooled at San Diego High School
San Diego High School
San Diego High School is an urban public educational complex comprising six small schools located on the southern edge of Balboa Park, in San Diego, California. It is part of the San Diego Unified School District. It is the oldest high school in the San Diego Unified School District and one of the...
. He was studying engineering between 1956 and 1957, and was encouraged to try acting by a friend, Peter Bren. Marshall was still in the army at this time. He studied acting at the Bob Gist Dramatic Workshop, while studying Theatre Arts at Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College, known as LACC, is a public community college in the East Hollywood section of Los Angeles, California. A part of the Los Angeles Community College District, it is located on Vermont Avenue south of Santa Monica Boulevard...
.
Marshall has provided consultation on matters connected with his work and with racial issues, and has received an award for "Outstanding Achievement in his field as a Black Achiever in the United States".
1960s
Marshall's first professional role was in a 1961 Columbia Studios feature The InternsThe Interns (film)
The Interns is a 1962 drama film that starred Michael Callan and Cliff Robertson. This film is a medical melodrama that presages many similar TV programs to follow. It centers around the personal and professional conflicts of young medical interns under the tutorage of senior surgeons, Telly...
. In 1964 he took the role of Chris Logan, playing opposite Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols is an American actress, singer and voice artist. She sang with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton before turning to acting...
in Great Gettin' Up Mornin', a TV production about an African-American family preparing their children for their first day at a racially integrated school in America's south.
In 1965, Marshall appeared in a pilot for a series Braddock. In 1966 he appeared as Luke in Daktari
Daktari
Daktari is an American children's drama series that aired on CBS between 1966 and 1969. The series, an Ivan Tors Films Production in association with MGM Television, stars Marshall Thompson as Dr. Marsh Tracy, a veterinarian at the fictional Wameru Study Centre for Animal Behaviour in East...
, in the episodes Predator of Wameru, The Killer Lion and Trail of the Cheetah.
Later in the 1960s he appeared in Star Trek
Star Trek: The Original Series
Star Trek is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry, produced by Desilu Productions . Star Trek was telecast on NBC from September 8, 1966, through June 3, 1969...
and he became known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Boma in the episode "The Galileo Seven". Other TV series he appeared in were Tarzan, Dragnet and Ironside. In 1968 he appeared as Ted Neumann, the recurring love interest of Julia Baker, in the television series Julia
Julia (TV series)
Julia is an American sitcom notable for being one of the first weekly series to depict an African American woman in a non-stereotypical role. Previous television series featured African American lead characters, but the characters were usually servants. The show starred actress and singer Diahann...
, a series about an African-American widow raising her son on her own.
1970s
Marshall had a role in the 1971 film The Reluctant Heros AKA The Egghead on Hill 656, a film that was directed by Robert Day. This was a war film set in the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
with men under a newly commissioned lieutenant who are trapped on a hill surrounded by the enemy. His character as Pvt. Carver LeMoyne was subject to continual racial abuse by Cpl. Leroy Sprague played by Warren Oates
Warren Oates
Warren Mercer Oates was an American actor best known for his performances in several films directed by Sam Peckinpah including The Wild Bunch and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia...
. The film also starred Ken Berry
Ken Berry
Kenneth Ronald "Ken" Berry is an American dancer, comedic actor and singer. He began on stage as a dancer and later starred in television sitcoms.-Life and career:...
, Jim Hutton
Jim Hutton
Dana James Hutton , usually credited as Jim Hutton, was an American actor in film and television probably best remembered for his role as Ellery Queen in the 1970s TV series of the same name.-Early life and career:...
, Ralph Meeker
Ralph Meeker
Ralph Meeker was an American stage and film actor best-known for starring in the 1953 Broadway production of Picnic, and in the 1955 film noir cult classic Kiss Me Deadly.-Career:...
, Cameron Mitchell
Cameron Mitchell (actor)
Cameron Mitchell was an American film, television and Broadway actor with close ties to one of Canada's most successful families, and considered, by Lee Strasberg, to be one of the founding members of The Actor's Studio in New York City.-Early life and career:Born Cameron MacDowell Mitzel in...
and Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez is an American singer, guitarist and actor.-Career:Lopez was born in Dallas, Texas, on Ashland Street in the Little Mexico neighborhood. He began his entertainment career in Dallas playing at the Vegas Club, a nightclub owned by Jack Ruby...
.
In the seventies he set up his own company called DJM Productions, Inc., which produced television commercials and documentary films.
1980s- 90s
In the 1980s, Marshall had few roles, appearing occasionally in episodes of Little House on the PrairieLittle House on the Prairie (TV series)
Little House on the Prairie is an American Western drama television series, starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, about a family living on a farm in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, in the 1870s and 1880s. The show was an adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's best-selling series of Little House books...
as Caleb Ledoux, as Doctor Jim Blair in Finder of Lost Loves and as Senator Ed Lawrence in Capitol
Capitol (TV series)
Capitol is an American soap opera which aired on CBS from March 29, 1982 to March 20, 1987 for 1,270 episodes. As its name suggests, the storyline usually revolved around the political intrigues of people whose lives intertwined in Washington D.C....
.
In 1992 he played the concierge in the Paul Schneider
Paul Schneider (director)
Paul Schneider is an American film and television director. Some of his directorial credits include Baywatch, Beverly Hills, 90210, L.A. Law and JAG. He has also directed a number of television films.-External links:...
directed TV drama Highway Heartbreaker.
Land of the Giants
As a result of being seen in the pilot for the TV series Braddock, Marshall's agent was contacted and a request to arrange a meeting with Irwin Allen was made which led to his getting the role in Land of the GiantsLand of the Giants
Land of the Giants was an hour-long American science fiction television program lasting two seasons beginning on September 22, 1968 and ending on March 22, 1970. The show was created and produced by Irwin Allen. Land of the Giants was the fourth of Allen's science fiction TV series. The show was...
, acting alongside Gary Conway
Gary Conway
Gary Conway is an American actor and screenwriter.Conway was born Gareth Monello Carmody in Boston, Massachusetts. His most notable credits include a co-starring role with Gene Barry in the detective series Burke's Law from 1963-1965...
, Don Matheson
Don Matheson
Don Matheson is an American television actor, best known for his continuing role in Irwin Allen's series Land of the Giants.Prior to entering acting, Matheson served in the military. While serving in Korea, he was awarded the Bronze Star for valorous leadership and a Purple Heart for injuries...
, Kurt Kasznar
Kurt Kasznar
-Early life:Kasznar was born in Vienna, Austria as Kurt Servischer. His father left when Kurt was very young, his mother married a Hungarian restaurateur named Ferdinand Kasznar, and Kurt assumed his surname. He emigrated to the United States in the mid-1930s for The Eternal Road in which he...
, Stefan Arngrim
Stefan Arngrim
Stefan Arngrim , sometimes credited as Stephan Arngrim, is a Canadian actor and former child actor.Arngrim was born in Canada, the son of actress Norma MacMillan and Thor Arngrim. He is the brother of actress Alison Arngrim...
, Deanna Lund
Deanna Lund
Deanna Lund is an American film and television actress best remembered for her role in the Irwin Allen television series Land of the Giants, where she played the character of Valerie Ames Scott.-Early life:...
and Heather Young.
In what was possibly a ground breaking casting decision, the Irwin Allen
Irwin Allen
Irwin Allen was a television and film director and producer nicknamed "The Master of Disaster" for his work in the disaster film genre. He was also notable for creating a number of television series.- Biography :...
created series featured Marshall as a competent African-American in a leading role. This was possibly the first for an African American to be featured in such a prominent role as Dan Erickson in what was to become such a popular TV series. This was also a first for an African American male in the 1960s to be featured so prominently in Science Fiction, quite advanced for the time. The only other African American actor to be in such a position in the 1960s was Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols is an American actress, singer and voice artist. She sang with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton before turning to acting...
known for her role as Uhura
Uhura
Nyota Uhura is a character in Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Animated Series, the first six Star Trek films, and the 2009 film Star Trek...
in the TV series "Star Trek
Star Trek
Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
".
On set the actors had to perform many of their own stunts and Marshall's athletism came in handy, he credited his previous football, track and pole vaulting work that helped him with the stunts required. In one of the episodes, "Ghost Town", while diving over a fire, Marshall actually dislocated his shoulder and the next day they had to shoot new scenes with Marshall's arm in a sling. Another episode "Giants and All That Jazz" that featured former world champion boxer Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson was an African-American professional boxer. Frequently cited as the greatest boxer of all time, Robinson's performances in the welterweight and middleweight divisions prompted sportswriters to create "pound for pound" rankings, where they compared fighters regardless of weight...
as Biff Bowers and Mike Mazurki
Mike Mazurki
Mike Mazurki was an Austrian-born American actor and professional wrestler who appeared in over 100 movies. His towering 6' 5" presence and intimidating face usually got him roles playing tough guys, thugs, strong men, and gangsters.Mazurki was born as Mikhail Mazurkevych in Tarnopol, Galicia,...
as Loach, where Marshall had to teach Biff Bowers how to play the trumpet was one that Marshall in his own words calls "Beautiful" seems to be a favourite of his and made him want to act rather than follow or figure out what dialogue to use or say. He also says that actors had a better time on the set when Irwin Allen wasn't on the set. When he was it was much different and people would get uptight.
In recent years Marshall has written a script for a sequel to the series called Escape from a Giant Land. He hopes that this would be a big screen production and would feature as many of the original cast members as possible.
Other roles
In addition to being the first African American male to have such a prominent role in a science fiction television series, Marshall had the memorable role as Lt Boma in the classic Star Trek episode The Galileo Seven.Marshall went on to play the part of Dr. Fred Williams in the 1972 science-fiction horror exploitation film The Thing with Two Heads
The Thing with Two Heads
The Thing with Two Heads is a 1972 film, starring Rosey Grier, Ray Milland and Don Marshall directed by Lee Frost, and written by Wes Bishop. Frost and Bishop also had parts in the movie....
that starred Ray Milland
Ray Milland
Ray Milland was a Welsh actor and director. His screen career ran from 1929 to 1985, and he is best remembered for his Academy Award–winning portrayal of an alcoholic writer in The Lost Weekend , a sophisticated leading man opposite a corrupt John Wayne in Reap the Wild Wind , the murder-plotting...
and Rosey Grier
Rosey Grier
Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier is an American actor, singer, Christian minister, and former professional American football player. He was a notable college football player for Pennsylvania State University who earned a retrospective place in the National Collegiate Athletic Association 100th anniversary...
. This was a tale about a wealthy and racist white man who has his head transplanted onto the body of a black prisoner from death row.
In 1976 he played the part of Captain Colter in an episode of The Bionic Woman
The Bionic Woman
The Bionic Woman is an American television series starring Lindsay Wagner that aired for three seasons between 1976 and 1978 as a spin off from The Six Million Dollar Man. Wagner stars as tennis pro Jaime Sommers who is nearly killed in a skydiving accident. Sommers' life is saved by Oscar Goldman ...
and in 1979 he was in a two-part episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV series)
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is an American science fiction adventure television series produced by Universal Studios. The series ran for two seasons between 1979–1981, and the feature-length pilot episode for the series was released as a theatrical film several months before the series aired....
. He appeared in Planet of the Slave Girls as Julio, and in 1980 in three episodes of The Incredible Hulk.
Film
- 1992 - Highway Heartbreaker .... Concierge
- 1975 - Hugó, a víziló (aka Hugo the Hippo) (Cartoon) .... (Voice)
- 1974 - Uptown Saturday Night .... Slim's Henchman
- 1973 - Terminal Island .... A. J. Thomas
- 1972 - The Thing With Two Heads .... Dr. Fred Williams
- 1971 - The Reluctant Heroes .... Pvt. Carver LeMoyne
- 1968 - Sergeant Ryker .... Cpl. Jenks
- 1964 - Shock Treatment .... Singer - (uncredited)
- 1962 - The Interns .... Intern - (uncredited)