Richard Deacon

Acting

Richard Deacon

Born May 14, 1922 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Died August 8, 1984 · aged 62

Richard Lewis Deacon (May 14, 1922 – August 8, 1984) was an American actor, best known for playing supporting roles in television shows on The Dick Van Dyke Show (as milksop producer Mel Cooley) and Leave It to Beaver (as Lumpy's self-aggrandizing father Fred Rutherford). He also had minor roles in films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963).

Known For

The BirdsThe Birds · 1963
The Birds
7.51963
MovieHorrorThriller
Thousands of birds flock into a seaside town and terrorize the residents in a series of deadly attacks.
Them!Them! · 1954
Them!
6.81954
MovieScience FictionHorror
As a result of nuclear testing, gigantic, ferocious mutant ants appear in the American desert southwest, and a father-daughter team of entomologists join forces with the state police officer who first discovers their existence, an FBI agent and, eventually, the US Army to eradicate the menace, before it spreads across the continent — and the world.
Invasion of the Body SnatchersInvasion of the Body Snatchers · 1956
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
7.51956
MovieScience FictionHorror
A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates.
A Summer PlaceA Summer Place · 1959
A Summer Place
6.61959
MovieDramaRomance
A self-made businessman rekindles a romance with a former flame while their two teenage children begin a romance of their own with drastic consequences for both couples.
PiranhaPiranha · 1978
Piranha
6.01978
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
When flesh-eating piranhas are accidentally released into a summer resort's rivers, the guests become their next meal.
Spring ReunionSpring Reunion · 1957
Spring Reunion
6.21957
MovieDrama
A spinster finally finds the right man when she returns to her alma mater after 15 years for a class reunion.
BillieBillie · 1965
Billie
5.01965
MovieMusicComedy
A 16-year-old tomboy and high school athlete becomes embroiled with the lives around her boyfriend whose conservative father is running for mayor.
The Gnome-MobileThe Gnome-Mobile · 1967
The Gnome-Mobile
6.31967
MovieFantasyComedy
An eccentric millionaire and his grandchildren are embroiled in the plights of some forest gnomes who are searching for the rest of their tribe. While helping them, the millionaire is suspected of being crazy because he's seeing gnomes! He's committed, and the niece and nephew and the gnomes have to find him and free him.

Movies

The BirdsThe Birds · 1963
The Birds
7.51963
MovieHorrorThriller
Thousands of birds flock into a seaside town and terrorize the residents in a series of deadly attacks.
Them!Them! · 1954
Them!
6.81954
MovieScience FictionHorror
As a result of nuclear testing, gigantic, ferocious mutant ants appear in the American desert southwest, and a father-daughter team of entomologists join forces with the state police officer who first discovers their existence, an FBI agent and, eventually, the US Army to eradicate the menace, before it spreads across the continent — and the world.
Invasion of the Body SnatchersInvasion of the Body Snatchers · 1956
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
7.51956
MovieScience FictionHorror
A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates.
A Summer PlaceA Summer Place · 1959
A Summer Place
6.61959
MovieDramaRomance
A self-made businessman rekindles a romance with a former flame while their two teenage children begin a romance of their own with drastic consequences for both couples.
PiranhaPiranha · 1978
Piranha
6.01978
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
When flesh-eating piranhas are accidentally released into a summer resort's rivers, the guests become their next meal.
Spring ReunionSpring Reunion · 1957
Spring Reunion
6.21957
MovieDrama
A spinster finally finds the right man when she returns to her alma mater after 15 years for a class reunion.
BillieBillie · 1965
Billie
5.01965
MovieMusicComedy
A 16-year-old tomboy and high school athlete becomes embroiled with the lives around her boyfriend whose conservative father is running for mayor.
The Gnome-MobileThe Gnome-Mobile · 1967
The Gnome-Mobile
6.31967
MovieFantasyComedy
An eccentric millionaire and his grandchildren are embroiled in the plights of some forest gnomes who are searching for the rest of their tribe. While helping them, the millionaire is suspected of being crazy because he's seeing gnomes! He's committed, and the niece and nephew and the gnomes have to find him and free him.
That Touch of MinkThat Touch of Mink · 1962
That Touch of Mink
6.51962
MovieComedyRomance
Cathy Timberlake is en route to a job interview when a car transporting businessman Philip Shayne covers her in mud. He sends his assistant, Roger, to apologize, but upon meeting Cathy, Roger knows that she would be a suitable match for his boss. Despite their mutual attraction, Cathy and Philip want different things. Philip wants a fling, while Cathy wants a marriage. As they travel to exotic locales, their differing motivations are put to the test.
Blackbeard's GhostBlackbeard's Ghost · 1968
Blackbeard's Ghost
6.71968
MovieComedyFantasy
The eponymous wraith returns to Earth to aid his descendant, elderly Emily Stowecroft. The villains want to kick Emily and her friends out of their group home so that they can build a crooked casino. Good guy Steve Walker gets caught in the middle of the squabble after evoking Blackbeard's ghost.
The King's PirateThe King's Pirate · 1967
The King's Pirate
7.01967
MovieAdventure
Handsome British officer, Lt. Brian Fleming is sent undercover to infiltrate a lively band of pirates.
North to AlaskaNorth to Alaska · 1960
North to Alaska
6.51960
MovieWesternComedy
After striking gold in Alaska, the romantic George sends his womanizing partner Sam to bring his fiancée up from Seattle. When Sam finds that she has already married, he returns instead with Angel, a dancer originally from France.
My Sister EileenMy Sister Eileen · 1955
My Sister Eileen
6.61955
MovieMusicComedy
Ruth and her beautiful sister Eileen come to New York's Greenwich Village looking for "fame, fortune and a 'For Rent' sign on Barrow Street". They find an apartment, but fame and fortune are a lot more elusive. Ruth gets the attention of playboy publisher Bob Baker when she submits a story about her gorgeous sister Eileen. She tries to keep his attention by convincing him that she and the gorgeous, man-getting Eileen are one and the same person.
Invaders from MarsInvaders from Mars · 1953
Invaders from Mars
5.91953
MovieScience FictionHorror
A boy tries to stop aliens that have taken over his town and are brainwashing its inhabitants.
My Man GodfreyMy Man Godfrey · 1957
My Man Godfrey
6.51957
MovieComedy
The eccentric Bullock household again need a new butler. Daughter Irene encounters bedraggled Godfrey Godfrey at the docks and, fancying him and noticing his obviously good manners, gets him the job. He proves a great success, but keeps his past to himself. When an old flame turns up Irene's sister Cordelia starts making waves.
-30--30- · 1959
-30-
6.01959
MovieDrama
A newspaper editor deals with a particularly stressful day in the newsroom.
Hot BloodHot Blood · 1956
Hot Blood
5.71956
MovieDramaRomance
Stephen Torino, who is tricked by his brother Marco into an arranged marriage with tempestuous Annie Caldash. Annie is willing to give the union a go, but Torino wants none of it.
Blackboard JungleBlackboard Jungle · 1955
Blackboard Jungle
6.91955
MovieCrimeDrama
Richard Dadier is a teacher at North Manual High School, an inner-city school where many of the pupils frequently engage in anti-social behavior. Dadier makes various attempts to engage the students' interest in education, challenging both the school staff and the pupils. He is subjected to violence as well as duplicitous schemes.
Lover Come BackLover Come Back · 1961
Lover Come Back
7.01961
MovieComedyRomance
Jerry Webster and Carol Templeton are rival Madison Avenue advertising executives who each dislike each other’s methods. After he steals a client out from under her cute little nose, revenge prompts her to infiltrate his secret "VIP" campaign in order to persuade the mystery product’s scientist to switch to her firm.
DésiréeDésirée · 1954
Désirée
6.61954
MovieDramaRomance
In Marseilles, France in 1794, Desiree Clary, a young millinery clerk, becomes infatuated with Napoleon Bonaparte, but winds up wedding General Jean-Baptiste Berandotte, an aid to Napoleon who later joins the forces that bring about the Emperor's downfall. Josephine Beauharnais, a worldly courtesan marries Napoleon and becomes Empress of France, but is then cast aside by her spouse when she proves unable to produce an heir to the throne.
The Last HurrahThe Last Hurrah · 1958
The Last Hurrah
7.21958
MovieDrama
In a changing world where television has become the main source of information, Adam Caulfield, a young sports journalist, witnesses how his uncle, Frank Skeffington, a veteran and honest politician, mayor of a New England town, tries to be reelected while bankers and captains of industry conspire in the shadows to place a weak and manageable candidate in the city hall.
The Spirit of St. LouisThe Spirit of St. Louis · 1957
The Spirit of St. Louis
6.71957
MovieAdventureDrama
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh struggles to finance and design an airplane that will make his New York to Paris flight the first solo transatlantic crossing.
That Darn Cat!That Darn Cat! · 1965
That Darn Cat!
6.61965
MovieFamilyCrime
A young woman suspects foul play when her cat comes home wearing a wristwatch. Convincing the FBI, though, and catching the bad guys is tougher than she imagined.
Arsenic and Old LaceArsenic and Old Lace · 1969
Arsenic and Old Lace
7.01969
MovieComedyCrime
A drama critic learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs, and that insanity runs in his family.

TV Shows

Perry MasonPerry Mason · 1957
Perry Mason
7.71957
SeriesMysteryDrama
The cases of master criminal defense attorney Perry Mason and his staff who handled the most difficult of cases in the aid of the innocent.
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 RiflemanThe Rifleman · 1958
The Rifleman
7.11958
SeriesWestern
The Rifleman is an American Western television program starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show was filmed in black-and-white, half-hour episodes. "The Rifleman" aired on ABC from September 30, 1958 to April 8, 1963 as a production of Four Star Television. It was one of the first prime time series to have a widowed parent raise a child.
The Love BoatThe Love Boat · 1977
The Love Boat
6.31977
SeriesDramaComedy
Passengers who search for romantic nights aboard a beautiful ship travelling to tropical or mysterious countries, decide to pass their vacation aboard the "Love Boat", where Gopher, Dr. Bricker, Isaac, Julie, and Captain Stubing try their best to please them, and sometimes help them fall in love. Things are not always so easy, but in the end, love wins.
MaverickMaverick · 1957
Maverick
6.91957
SeriesComedyWestern
The Maverick boys - Bret, Bart, Beau and Brent - are a clan of well-dressed dandies, gamblers who'd much rather make their money playing cards than messing up their fine clothing with actual work. Sly and clever, none of the Mavericks are much for acts of derring do, but they can be courageous when the situation calls for it. Most often, however, they live by their wits and considerable charm.
The Merv Griffin ShowThe Merv Griffin Show · 1962
The Merv Griffin Show
6.61962
Series
Love, American StyleLove, American Style · 1969
Love, American Style
6.21969
SeriesComedy
An anthology comedy series featuring a line up of different celebrity guest stars appearing in anywhere from one, two, three, and four short stories or vignettes within an hour about versions of love and romance.
The Donna Reed ShowThe Donna Reed Show · 1958
The Donna Reed Show
6.51958
SeriesComedyFamily
Revolves around typical family problems, such as firing a clumsy housekeeper, throwing a retirement bash for a colleague, and finding quality time away from the children.
The Twilight ZoneThe Twilight Zone · 1959
The Twilight Zone
8.51959
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyMystery
An anthology series containing drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and/or horror, often concluding with a macabre or unexpected twist.
Get SmartGet Smart · 1965
Get Smart
7.91965
SeriesComedySci-Fi & Fantasy
Get Smart is an American comedy television series that satirizes the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show stars Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, and Edward Platt. Henry said they created the show by request of Daniel Melnick, who was a partner, along with Leonard Stern and David Susskind, of the show's production company, Talent Associates, to capitalize on "the two biggest things in the entertainment world today"—James Bond and Inspector Clouseau. Brooks said: "It's an insane combination of James Bond and Mel Brooks comedy." This is the only Mel Brooks production to feature a laugh track. The success of the show eventually spawned the follow-up films The Nude Bomb and Get Smart, Again!, as well as a 1995 revival series and a 2008 film remake. In 2010, TV Guide ranked Get Smart's opening title sequence at No. 2 on its list of TV's Top 10 Credits Sequences, as selected by readers.
My Three SonsMy Three Sons · 1960
My Three Sons
6.61960
SeriesComedyFamily
A widower and aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas raises three sons with the help of his father-in-law, and later the boys' great-uncle. An adopted son, a stepdaughter, wives, and another generation of sons join the loving family in later seasons.
The Beverly HillbilliesThe Beverly Hillbillies · 1962
The Beverly Hillbillies
6.91962
SeriesComedyFamily
Jed Clampett's swamp is loaded with oil. When a wildcatter discovers the huge pool, Jed sells his land to the O.K. Oil Company and at the urging of cousin Pearl, moves his family to a 35-room mansion in Beverly Hills, California.
The Dick Van Dyke ShowThe Dick Van Dyke Show · 1961
The Dick Van Dyke Show
7.61961
SeriesComedy
The Dick Van Dyke Show centers around the work and home life of television comedy writer Rob Petrie. The plots generally revolve around problems at work, where Rob got into various comedic jams with fellow writers Buddy Sorrell, Sally Rogers and producer Mel Cooley.
AliceAlice · 1976
Alice
7.01976
SeriesComedyDrama
Alice is an American sitcom television series that ran from August 31, 1976 to March 19, 1985 on CBS. The series is based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. The show stars Linda Lavin in the title role, a widow who moves with her young son to start her life over again, and finds a job working at a roadside diner on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. Most of the episodes revolve around events at Mel's Diner.
Mister EdMister Ed · 1961
Mister Ed
6.71961
SeriesComedyFamily
Wilbur Post and his wife Carol move into a beautiful new home. When Wilbur takes a look in his new barn, he finds that the former owner left his horse behind. This horse is no ordinary horse . . . he can talk, but only to Wilbur, which leads to all sorts of misadventures for Wilbur and his trouble-making sidekick Mister Ed.
I Dream of JeannieI Dream of Jeannie · 1965
I Dream of Jeannie
7.81965
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyComedy
While on a mission, American astronaut Captain Tony Nelson is forced to make an emergency landing that will forever change his life. On a deserted South Pacific island, Captain Nelson happens upon a bottle containing a beautiful two-thousand-year-old female genie named Jeannie. Rescuing her from the bottle nets Tony the requisite three wishes, and then some, when Jeannie pledges total devotion to her new "master".
The UntouchablesThe Untouchables · 1959
The Untouchables
8.01959
SeriesDramaCrime
Special Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptible agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.
Leave It to BeaverLeave It to Beaver · 1957
Leave It to Beaver
6.91957
SeriesComedyFamily
An inquisitive and often naïve boy, Theodore 'The Beaver' Cleaver, has adventures at home, in school, and around his suburban neighborhood. The show also starred Barbara Billingsley and Hugh Beaumont as Beaver's parents, June and Ward Cleaver, and Tony Dow as Beaver's brother Wally. The show has attained an iconic status in the US, with the Cleavers exemplifying the idealized suburban family of the mid-20th century.
Green AcresGreen Acres · 1965
Green Acres
7.21965
SeriesComedy
Green Acres is an American sitcom starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor as a couple who move from New York City to a rural country farm. Produced by Filmways as a sister show to Petticoat Junction, the series was first broadcast on CBS, from September 15, 1965 to April 27, 1971. Receiving solid ratings during its six-year run, Green Acres was cancelled in 1971 as part of the "rural purge" by CBS. The sitcom has been in syndication and is available in DVD and VHS releases. In 1997, the two-part episode "A Star Named Arnold is Born" was ranked #59 on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.
The MunstersThe Munsters · 1964
The Munsters
7.91964
SeriesComedySci-Fi & Fantasy
A family of friendly monsters that have misadventures all while never quite understanding why people react to them so strangely.
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.
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.
The Bob Hope ShowThe Bob Hope Show · 1950
The Bob Hope Show
7.01950
SeriesComedyFamily
The Bob Hope Show hosted by Bob Hope, debuted on April 9, 1950. During the 1952-1953 season, NBC rotated with other variety shows in a Sunday night block known as "The Colgate Comedy Hour" (Sept. 1950 to Dec. 1955). Also known as, "The Chevy Show with Bob Hope." When the first special debuted in October of 1950 it was the most expensive television program made up to that point - costing an astronomical $1,500 a minute to produce. Bob Hope had his own television show and radio show at the same time. For the next three seasons, The Bob Hope Show was broadcast once a month on Tuesday nights, giving Milton Berle a week off. Bob ended his radio show in April, 1956. Bob Hope also had another show by a similar name, "The Bob Hope Show (All Star Revue)". In addition, he performed in "Specials" for many years. It is the longest running variety program in television's history with a record of 45 years of televised entertainment.
The Many Loves of Dobie GillisThe Many Loves of Dobie Gillis · 1959
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
6.31959
SeriesComedy
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1959 to 1963. The series and several episode scripts were adapted from a 1951 collection of short stories of the same name, written by Max Shulman, who had also written a feature film adaptation of his short stories for MGM in 1953, The Affairs of Dobie Gillis. The series revolved around the life of teenager/young adult Dobie Gillis, who, along with his best friend, beatnik Maynard G. Krebs, struggles against the forces of his life - high school, the military, college, and his parents - as he aspires to attain both wealth and dates with girls. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis was produced by Martin Manulis Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Creator Shulman also wrote the theme song in collaboration with Lionel Newman.