What's After the Movie
Whit Bissell
Whitner Nutting Bissell, known as Whit Bissell, was born on October 25, 1909. An outstanding American character actor, Bissell's career ranged from Broadway theatre to numerous roles in film and television. Notably associated with science fiction and horror genres, Bissell left an unforgettable mark with his portrayal of a mad scientist in films like I Was a Teenage Werewolf and I Was a Teenage Frankenstein. He also played the attending psychiatrist in the cult classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. His prolific television appearances included The Lone Ranger, Crossroads, Going My Way, multiple episodes of Perry Mason, and the Star Trek episode The Trouble with Tribbles. Bissell developed a niche for playing silver-haired figures of authority, seen clearly in his role as General Heywood Kirk on The Time Tunnel. His impressive body of work was recognized posthumously in 1994 with a life career award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.
Bissell was born to an educated family in New York City, with a father who was a renowned surgeon and a heritage that traced back to a badge of military merit recipient of the American Revolutionary War. His early education took place at Allen-Stevenson School & Dalton School before he majored in English and Drama at the University of North Carolina. The roots of his acting career were planted with Carolina Playmakers, a prominent theatrical organization. His offscreen life was equally eventful, married three times and having four children. A practitioner of Unitarianism, Bissell also served as the representatives for board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild. His acting career lasted from 1933 until 1991, a remarkable timespan of nearly six decades. On March 5, 1996, Bissell passed away due to Parkinson's disease.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Whit Bissell, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Whit Bissell rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Whitner Nutting Bissell
Born: New York City, New York, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: October 25, 1909
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1933-1991
Children: 4
Spouses: Adrienne Marden, Dilys Mary Shan Jukes, Jennifer Raine
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Whit Bissell
The Defiant Ones
Birdman of Alcatraz
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Seven Days in May
The Time Machine
Hud
Frankenstein: A Cinematic Scrapbook
A Life of Her Own
Sealed Cargo
Spencer’s Mountain
Holy Matrimony
That Lady in Ermine
Side Street
Anna Lucasta
A Tattered Web
Riot in Cell Block 11
The Atomic Kid
Once You Kiss a Stranger…
The Salzburg Connection
The Naked Street
A Double Life
Flood!
Shack Out on 101
Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter
Three Hours to Kill
The Red Badge of Courage
Canon City
Devil’s Canyon
Fluffy
The Sea of Grass
Convicted
Warlock
Psychic Killer
The Comedian
A Covenant with Death
Tales of Robin Hood
Dakota Incident
Boots Malone
The Turning Point
I Was a Teenage Frankenstein
Monster on the Campus
The Andersonville Trial
The Sea Hawk
Target Earth
No Name on the Bullet
Somewhere in the Night
Ike
The Young Stranger
The Killer That Stalked New York
The Time Machine
When Willie Comes Marching Home
The Hallelujah Trail
Night Into Morning
Pete ’n’ Tillie
Advance to the Rear
Destination Tokyo
Time Machine: The Journey Back
Where Love Has Gone
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
The Sellout
The Desperate Hours
Lost Continent
The Black Orchid
Man from Del Rio
The Proud Ones
The Lincoln Conspiracy
Red Mountain
Wyoming Mail
Johnny Tremain
He Walked by Night
5 Card Stud
The Tall Stranger
Hoodlum Empire
It Should Happen to You
Casey’s Shadow
Destination Nightmare
Winged Victory
Cluny Brown
The Senator Was Indiscreet
At Gunpoint
The Crime Doctor’s Diary
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
Last of the Mohicans
Perfect Strangers
Tokyo Joe
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Whit Bissell, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1972
The Salzburg Connection
Jim Newhart
Pete ’n’ Tillie
Funeral Minister
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Mr. Mays
1958
The Defiant Ones
Monster on the Campus
Dr. Oliver Cole
The Black Orchid
Harmon
Destination Nightmare
Dr. Will Madison
1957
The Comedian
Otis Elwell
I Was a Teenage Frankenstein
Prof. Frankenstein
The Young Stranger
Grubbs
Johnny Tremain
Josiah Quincy
The Tall Stranger
Adam Judson
1955
The Naked Street
Dist. Atty. Blaker
Shack Out on 101
Eddie
The Desperate Hours
FBI Agent Carson
At Gunpoint
Clem Clark
1954
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Riot in Cell Block 11
Guard Snader
The Atomic Kid
Dr. Edgar Pangborn
Three Hours to Kill
Deke
Target Earth
Tom
It Should Happen to You
Robert Grau
1952
Boots Malone
Lou Dyer
The Turning Point
Buck (uncredited)
The Sellout
Wilfred Jackson
Hoodlum Empire
Pickpocket
1951
Sealed Cargo
Schuster
The Red Badge of Courage
Wounded Officer (uncredited)
Tales of Robin Hood
Will
Night Into Morning
Monument Salesman (uncredited)
Lost Continent
Stanley Briggs
Red Mountain
Miles
1950
A Life of Her Own
Rental Agent (uncredited)
Convicted
States Attorney Owens (uncredited)
The Killer That Stalked New York
Sid Bennet
When Willie Comes Marching Home
Lt. M.J. Hanley - Psychiatrist (uncredited)
Wyoming Mail
Sam
Perfect Strangers
Defense Attorney (uncredited)
1949
Side Street
Harold Simpson (chief teller)
Anna Lucasta
Stanley
The Crime Doctor’s Diary
Pete Bellem
Tokyo Joe
Capt. Winnow (uncredited)
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