John Vernon

Acting

John Vernon

Born February 24, 1932 · Zehner, Saskatchewan, Canada

Died February 1, 2005 · aged 72

John Keith Vernon (February 24, 1932 – February 1, 2005) was a Canadian actor. He made a career in Hollywood after achieving initial television stardom in Canada. He was best known for playing Dean Wormer in Animal House, the Mayor in Dirty Harry and Fletcher in The Outlaw Josey Wales.

Known For

Airplane II: The SequelAirplane II: The Sequel · 1982
Airplane II: The Sequel
6.11982
MovieComedy
A faulty computer causes a passenger space shuttle to head straight for the sun, and man-with-a-past Ted Striker must save the day and get the shuttle back on track – again – all the while trying to patch up his relationship with Elaine.
Animal HouseAnimal House · 1978
Animal House
7.01978
MovieComedy
At a 1962 College, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him.
Dirty HarryDirty Harry · 1971
Dirty Harry
7.51971
MovieActionCrime
When a madman dubbed 'Scorpio' terrorizes San Francisco, hard-nosed cop, Harry Callahan – famous for his take-no-prisoners approach to law enforcement – is tasked with hunting down the psychopath.
The Outlaw Josey WalesThe Outlaw Josey Wales · 1976
The Outlaw Josey Wales
7.51976
MovieWestern
After avenging his family's brutal murder, Wales is pursued by a pack of soldiers. He prefers to travel alone, but ragtag outcasts are drawn to him - and Wales can't bring himself to leave them unprotected.
Heavy MetalHeavy Metal · 1981
Heavy Metal
6.51981
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
The embodiment of ultimate evil, a glowing orb terrorizes a young girl with bizarre stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror.
TopazTopaz · 1969
Topaz
6.01969
MovieDramaThriller
Copenhagen, Denmark, 1962. When a high-ranking Soviet official decides to change sides, a French intelligence agent is caught up in a cold, silent and bloody spy war in which his own family will play a decisive role.
Killer Klowns from Outer SpaceKiller Klowns from Outer Space · 1988
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
6.61988
MovieComedyHorror
Aliens disguised as clowns crash land on Earth in a rural town to capture unsuspecting victims in cotton candy cocoons for later consumption.
NightstickNightstick · 1987
Nightstick
3.51987
MovieActionThriller
A cop tries to prevent a gang of extortionists from blowing up New York City with nitroglycerin.

Movies

Airplane II: The SequelAirplane II: The Sequel · 1982
Airplane II: The Sequel
6.11982
MovieComedy
A faulty computer causes a passenger space shuttle to head straight for the sun, and man-with-a-past Ted Striker must save the day and get the shuttle back on track – again – all the while trying to patch up his relationship with Elaine.
Animal HouseAnimal House · 1978
Animal House
7.01978
MovieComedy
At a 1962 College, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him.
Dirty HarryDirty Harry · 1971
Dirty Harry
7.51971
MovieActionCrime
When a madman dubbed 'Scorpio' terrorizes San Francisco, hard-nosed cop, Harry Callahan – famous for his take-no-prisoners approach to law enforcement – is tasked with hunting down the psychopath.
The Outlaw Josey WalesThe Outlaw Josey Wales · 1976
The Outlaw Josey Wales
7.51976
MovieWestern
After avenging his family's brutal murder, Wales is pursued by a pack of soldiers. He prefers to travel alone, but ragtag outcasts are drawn to him - and Wales can't bring himself to leave them unprotected.
Heavy MetalHeavy Metal · 1981
Heavy Metal
6.51981
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
The embodiment of ultimate evil, a glowing orb terrorizes a young girl with bizarre stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror.
TopazTopaz · 1969
Topaz
6.01969
MovieDramaThriller
Copenhagen, Denmark, 1962. When a high-ranking Soviet official decides to change sides, a French intelligence agent is caught up in a cold, silent and bloody spy war in which his own family will play a decisive role.
Killer Klowns from Outer SpaceKiller Klowns from Outer Space · 1988
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
6.61988
MovieComedyHorror
Aliens disguised as clowns crash land on Earth in a rural town to capture unsuspecting victims in cotton candy cocoons for later consumption.
NightstickNightstick · 1987
Nightstick
3.51987
MovieActionThriller
A cop tries to prevent a gang of extortionists from blowing up New York City with nitroglycerin.
Herbie Goes BananasHerbie Goes Bananas · 1980
Herbie Goes Bananas
5.41980
MovieFantasyComedy
The adorable little VW helps its owners break up a counterfeiting ring in Mexico.
I'm Gonna Git You SuckaI'm Gonna Git You Sucka · 1988
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
6.41988
MovieComedyAction
Jack Spade returns from the army in his old ghetto neighbourhood when his brother, June Bug, dies. Jack declares war on Mr. Big, powerful local crimelord. His army is led by John Slade, his childhood idol who used to fight bad guys in the 70s.
FuzzbucketFuzzbucket · 1986
Fuzzbucket
5.81986
MovieAdventureComedy
In the vein of "Harvey", an invisible creature befriends a 12 year old boy. Of course, no one else can see him nor believes in him.
Batman: Mystery of the BatwomanBatman: Mystery of the Batwoman · 2003
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
6.72003
MovieFantasyAnimation
As if the Penguin wasn't enough to contend with, a new vigilante has surfaced in Gotham City, and her strong-arm tactics give Batman cause for concern. Being the World's Greatest Detective and The Dark Knight, he sets out to uncover her identity while stopping a dangerous criminal plot.
The RockThe Rock · 1967
The Rock
7.41967
MovieDocumentary
A promotional two-part short for John Boorman's "Point Blank" shot on and around Alcatraz. Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson and former inmate Joe Giles share their thoughts on the former prison.
Point BlankPoint Blank · 1967
Point Blank
7.01967
MovieCrimeThriller
After being double-crossed and left for dead, a mysterious man named Walker single-mindedly tries to retrieve the rather inconsequential sum of money that was stolen from him.
Sweet MovieSweet Movie · 1974
Sweet Movie
5.31974
MovieComedy
The winner of the Miss World Virginity contest marries, escapes from her masochistic husband and ends up involved in a world of debauchery.
Face-OffFace-Off · 1971
Face-Off
5.51971
MovieDramaRomance
A love story involving a Canadian professional hockey player and a hippie folk singer. Their union is tumultuous, as both try to come to terms with their differences in careers and lifestyles. Several National Hockey League players also appear in the film.
Nightmare StepNightmare Step · 1973
Nightmare Step
1973
MovieTV MovieDrama
The cure is more dangerous than the malady as a mild-mannered woman who is slowly summoning the strength to rid herself of a cruel and domineering husband ... permanently.
19841984 · 1956
1984
6.51956
MovieScience FictionDrama
In a totalitarian future society, a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love.
Savage StreetsSavage Streets · 1984
Savage Streets
6.31984
MovieActionCrime
Brenda, vivacious leader of the "Satins", a fun-loving group of pretty high school girls, searches for deadly vengeance against the gang members who assaulted her deaf-mute sister.
AngelaAngela · 1977
Angela
4.71977
MovieDrama
A war vet finds out that a former prostitute had his baby. Doubting it's his, he gives it away, so she reports him. Twenty years later, she still wants to find her son. She meets a young man and falls in love, but the vet's prison term ends.
EscapeEscape · 1971
Escape
5.71971
MovieTV MovieScience Fiction
A scientist's experiment could lead to the first man-made, functioning, living organism. An elite escape artist-private investigator is working to stop him.
Charley VarrickCharley Varrick · 1973
Charley Varrick
7.41973
MovieCrimeThriller
Charley Varrick robs a bank in a small town with his friends, but instead of obtaining a small amount of money, they discover they stole a very large amount of money belonging to the mob. Charley must now come up with a plan to not only evade the police but the mob as well.
DrumDrum · 1976
Drum
5.31976
MovieHistoryAction
A mid-19th century mulatto slave is torn between his success as a pit-fighter and the injustices of white society.
Warrior AngelsWarrior Angels · 2002
Warrior Angels
4.52002
MovieActionAdventure
Elizabeth of Cooke (Joanna Pacula), a beautiful and valiant warrior returns from the Crusades to discover that her son Peter (Sander Kolosov) has been taken by Grekkor (Rutger Hauer), an ex-Lord wreaking havoc throughout the land. She sets out to locate and save Peter.

TV Shows

Murder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote · 1984
Murder, She Wrote
7.51984
SeriesMysteryCrime
An unassuming mystery writer turned sleuth uses her professional insight to help solve real-life homicide cases.
MacGyverMacGyver · 1985
MacGyver
7.71985
SeriesDrama
He's everyone's favorite action hero... but he's a hero with a difference. Angus MacGyver is a secret agent whose wits are his deadliest weapon. Armed with only a knapsack filled with everyday items he picks up along the way, he improvises his way out of every peril the bad guys throw at him. Making a bomb out of chewing gum? Fixing a speeding car's breaks... while he's riding in it? Using soda pop to cook up tear gas? That's all in a day's adventures for MacGyver. He's part Boy Scout, part genius. And all hero.
BonanzaBonanza · 1959
Bonanza
7.51959
SeriesWestern
The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.
The A-TeamThe A-Team · 1983
The A-Team
7.51983
SeriesComedy
A fictional group of ex-United States Army Special Forces personnel work as soldiers of fortune while on the run from the Army after being branded as war criminals for a "crime they didn't commit."
Knight RiderKnight Rider · 1982
Knight Rider
7.51982
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Michael Long, an undercover police officer, is shot while investigating a case and left for dead by his assailants. He is rescued by Wilton Knight, a wealthy, dying millionaire and inventor who arranges life-saving surgery, including a new face and a new identity--that of Michael Knight. Michael is then given a special computerized and indestructible car called the Knight Industries Two Thousand (nicknamed KITT), and a mission: apprehend criminals who are beyond the reach of the law. The series depicts Michael's exploits as he and KITT battle the forces of evil on behalf of the Foundation for Law and Government.
MannixMannix · 1967
Mannix
6.81967
SeriesCrime
Mannix is an American television detective series that ran from 1967 through 1975 on CBS. Created by Richard Levinson and William Link and developed by executive producer Bruce Geller, the title character, Joe Mannix, is a private investigator. He is played by Mike Connors. Mannix was the last series produced by Desilu Productions.
Hawaii Five-OHawaii Five-O · 1968
Hawaii Five-O
7.21968
SeriesDrama
Hawaii Five-O is an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productions and Leonard Freeman. Set in Hawaii, the show originally aired for 12 seasons from 1968 to 1980, and continues in reruns. Jack Lord portrayed Detective Lieutenant Steve McGarrett, the head of a special state police task force which was based on an actual unit that existed under martial law in the 1940s. The theme music composed by Morton Stevens became especially popular. Many episodes would end with McGarrett instructing his subordinate to "Book 'em, Danno!", sometimes specifying a charge such as "murder one".
Spider-ManSpider-Man · 1994
Spider-Man
8.31994
SeriesAnimation
Bitten by a neogenetic spider, Peter Parker develops spider-like superpowers. He uses these to fight crime while trying to balance it with the struggles of his personal life.
Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series · 1992
Batman: The Animated Series
8.61992
SeriesAnimation
Vowing to avenge the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne devotes his life to wiping out crime in Gotham City as the masked vigilante "Batman".
Mission: ImpossibleMission: Impossible · 1966
Mission: Impossible
7.61966
SeriesCrime
Mission: Impossible is an American television series that was created and initially produced by Bruce Geller. It chronicles the missions of a team of secret government agents known as the Impossible Missions Force. In the first season, the team is led by Dan Briggs, played by Steven Hill; Jim Phelps, played by Peter Graves, takes charge for the remaining seasons. A hallmark of the series shows Briggs or Phelps receiving his instructions on a recording that then self-destructs, followed by the theme music composed by Lalo Schifrin. The series aired on the CBS network from September 1966 to March 1973, then returned to television for two seasons on ABC, from 1988 to 1990, retaining only Graves in the cast. It later inspired a popular series of theatrical motion pictures starring Tom Cruise, beginning in 1996.
Quincy, M.E.Quincy, M.E. · 1976
Quincy, M.E.
7.51976
SeriesCrimeDrama
Los Angeles County medical examiner Quincy routinely engages in police investigations.
DinosaursDinosaurs · 1991
Dinosaurs
7.81991
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyComedy
Dinosaurs follows the life of a family of dinosaurs, living in a modern world. They have TV's, fridges, microwaves, and every modern convenience.
Walker, Texas RangerWalker, Texas Ranger · 1993
Walker, Texas Ranger
7.01993
SeriesDramaWestern
Modern-day Texas Ranger, Cordell Walker's independent crime-solving methods have their roots in the rugged traditions of the Old West. Walker's closest friend is former Ranger, C.D. Parker, who retired after a knee injury, and now owns "C.D.'s," a Country/Western saloon/restaurant. Rookie Ranger, James "Jimmy" Trivette is an ex-football player who bases his crime-solving methods on reason and uses computers and cellular phones. Alex Cahill is the Assistant DA who shares a mutual attraction with Walker, but often disagrees with his unorthodox approach to law enforcement.
The Grim Adventures of Billy and MandyThe Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy · 2001
The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
8.12001
SeriesAnimationComedy
The exploits of the Grim Reaper, who has been forced into being the best friend of two children. A spin-off of the show Grim & Evil.
AirwolfAirwolf · 1984
Airwolf
7.61984
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
As part of a deal with an intelligence agency to look for his missing brother, a renegade pilot goes on missions with an advanced battle helicopter.
CannonCannon · 1971
Cannon
6.71971
SeriesDrama
Cannon is a CBS detective television series produced by Quinn Martin which aired from March 26, 1971 to March 3, 1976. The primary protagonist is the title character, private detective Frank Cannon, played by William Conrad. He also appeared on two episodes of Barnaby Jones. Cannon is the first Quinn Martin-produced series to be aired on a network other than ABC. A "revival" television film, The Return of Frank Cannon, was aired on November 1, 1980. In total, there were 124 episodes.
RenegadeRenegade · 1992
Renegade
6.71992
SeriesDrama
Framed for murder, Detective Reno Raines becomes a fugitive bounty hunter who fights crime while trying to clear his name. His troubles began after he testified about police corruption, leading Lt. Donald Dixon to set him up.
T. J. HookerT. J. Hooker · 1982
T. J. Hooker
6.51982
SeriesDramaCrime
Sergeant Thomas Jefferson Hooker is a tough-as-nails veteran police officer with the LCPD who turns his back on a gold badge and goes back to patrolling the streets and training recruits. Along with his young partners in blue, Hooker take on Lake City's toughest criminals.
GunsmokeGunsmoke · 1955
Gunsmoke
6.71955
SeriesWestern
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television.
Hart to HartHart to Hart · 1979
Hart to Hart
6.91979
SeriesCrime
Wealthy couple Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a self-made millionaire and his journalist wife, moonlight as amateur detectives.
The F.B.I.The F.B.I. · 1965
The F.B.I.
5.61965
SeriesCrimeDrama
The F.B.I. is an American television series that was broadcast on ABC from 1965 to 1974. It was sponsored by the Ford Motor Company, and the characters almost always drove Ford vehicles in the series. Alcoa was co-sponsor of Season One only.
Tales from the CryptTales from the Crypt · 1989
Tales from the Crypt
8.01989
SeriesComedyMystery
Cadaverous scream legend the Crypt Keeper is your macabre host for these forays of fright and fun based on the classic E.C. Comics tales from back in the day. So shamble up to the bar and pick your poison. Will it be an insane Santa on a personal slay ride? Honeymooners out to fulfill the "til death do we part" vow ASAP?
The High ChaparralThe High Chaparral · 1967
The High Chaparral
6.81967
SeriesWesternDrama
The High Chaparral is an American Western-themed television series starring Leif Erickson and Cameron Mitchell which aired on NBC from 1967 to 1971. The series, made by Xanadu Productions in association with NBC Productions, was created by David Dortort, who had previously created the hit Bonanza for the network. The theme song was also written and conducted by Bonanza scorer David Rose, who also scored the two-hour pilot.
McMillan & WifeMcMillan & Wife · 1971
McMillan & Wife
7.01971
SeriesCrimeDrama
McMillan & Wife is a lighthearted American police procedural that aired on NBC from September 17, 1971 to April 24, 1977. Starring Rock Hudson and Susan Saint James in the title roles, the series premiered in 90-minute episodes as part of the wheel series NBC Mystery Movie, in rotation with Columbo and McCloud. Initially airing on Wednesday night, the original line-up was shifted to Sundays in the second season, where it aired for the rest of its run. This was the first element to be created specially for the Mystery Movie strand.