William Bryant

Actor William Bryant began his career in 1953 with the film "The 49th Man." Working steadily in small television parts through the '50s and 60s, he made several appearances on popular series, including "Combat!" and "The Rebel." as well as a long stint on "Gunsmoke" from 1957 to 1974. It wasn't until 1965 that Bryant appeared in a significant film production, playing the Baron's guard in "The Great Race," starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood. He also played President Ulysses S. Grant in the series "Branded." Easily cast in westerns, Bryant played Colonel Crook on "Hondo," several roles on "Bonanza" from 1967 to 1972, and Sherriff Gabe on "Lancer." In 1975, Bryant landed the supporting role of Bill Kinmont in the Oscar-nominated "The Other Side of the Mountain" and its sequel, "The Other Side of the Mountain Part 2." He landed the recurring role of Captain on "Emergency!" followed by that of Lieutenant Shilton on "Switch." While he worked steadily throughout his career into the '80s, major roles continued to elude Bryant. He gave his last performance in 1995 and died in 2001.