Brett King: Movies & Filmography

Brett King, born Bertell W. King, Jr. on December 29, 1920, was an American actor whose career in film and television spanned nearly two decades. He attended the American Theatre Wing in New York before serving his country with distinction during World War II as a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Corps, where he was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. After graduating from high school and working as a general office clerk, King enlisted in the army in January 1942, just one month following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following his discharge from military service, King transitioned to Hollywood, where he became a familiar face in feature films between 1949 and 1954, appearing in no fewer than 13 productions during this period. His screen debut came in 1949 with the role of Lieutenant Teiss in the acclaimed World War II film Battleground. King quickly expanded into television, demonstrating remarkable versatility across numerous Western and crime dramas of the era. He portrayed Lieutenant Charles B. Gatewood in the syndicated series Stories of the Century and played a supporting role as a cavalry trooper in the 1958–1959 series Mackenzie's Raiders, starring Richard Carlson as the historical Colonel Ranald Mackenzie at Fort Clark in southwestern Texas. His television portfolio also included memorable guest appearances on acclaimed series such as Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Zane Grey Theater, Bat Masterson, and Dragnet, among many others. In 1967, King delivered his final performance in a two-part episode titled 'Invasion from Outer Space' on ABC's The Green Hornet, bringing his acting career to a close. Beyond his artistic endeavors, King was also recognized as a businessman, reflecting his multifaceted professional pursuits. He was married to Sharon L. Van Howten and passed away on January 14, 1999, at the age of 78 in Palm Beach, Florida. Throughout his career, King became a beloved presence in the golden age of American television, particularly known for his roles in Western genre productions.