Matinee Classics - Gary Collins Biography & Filmography

Gary Collins ACTOR

PHOTOS

GARY COLLINS BIOGRAPHY & FILMOGRAPHY:

Gary Collins was born on April 30th, 1938 in Venice, California with the middle name Ennis. When he became well known in the entertainment industry he held the reputation of being one of the most versatile actors and was able to avoid being typecast.

He was raised in California and after high school, Collins enrolled at Santa Monica City College. He then decided to join the United States Army and it was during this time that he first developed an interest in acting when he was given the chance to work on radio and television for the Armed Forces Network.

When he was discharged from the Army, he decided to pursue a career in entertainment. Some of his early roles he added to his resume were on the film, "The Pigeon that Took Rome" (1962) and such television series as, "Kraft Suspense Theatre" (1965), "The Wackiest Ship in the Army" (1965-1966) and "Perry Mason" (1965-1966).

Over the course of his career he has appeared on a variety of other popular television series such as, "The Name of the Game", "The Virginian", "Ironside", "Hawaii Five-O", "Lassie", "The Sixth Sense", "Love, American Style", "Born Free", "Insight", "Thriller", "The Quest", "Most Wanted" The Fantastic Journey" and "Alice" among many others.

In addition to his television work, he also took on quite a few film roles as well as television movie roles. Gary starred in the film, "Airport" (1970), "Killer Fish" (1979), "Watchers Reborn" (1998), "Jungle Book: Lost Treasure" (1998) and some of his latest roles in the television series, "Yes, Dear" (2000) and "Dirty Sexy Money" (2009).

Throughout his lifetime he has married twice. First to Susan Peterson Lachman from 1964 through 1967 and they had two children together before their marriage came to an end. He is currently married to his second wife, Mary Ann Mobley whom he wed in 1967 and together they have one child.

Along with his acting career, he is also involved in a number of charitable causes such as, The March of Dimes as well as being an active volunteer along with his wife for organizations geared to help end world hunger.

He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the Television Industry. Collins is also very well known for hosting a number of shows such as, "Hour Magazine" (1980-1988), "The Home Show" (1989-1994) and he also hosted the, "Miss America Pageant" from 1985-1989.