Larry Ward (actor)

Larry Ward (October 3 1924 - February 16 1985) was an American actor who appeared in many films and television series. He was sometimes credited under the name Ward Gaynor.

Ward was born in Columbus, Ohio. His father was a former University football coach and State Senator. Ward studied at a number of universities before joining the US Navy, where he served for three years.

Enrolling in the American Theatre Wing under the G.I. Programme, he was very successful and appeared in several outstanding productions. Ward then turned his talents to writing, but also kept his hand in the acting profession by appearing in a TV soap opera titled The Brighter Day in 1954. Here he played a character called Dr. Randy Hamilton, but Ward had his sights set on Hollywood and left the show in 1957 when his character died of a heart attack.

It wasn't until 1962 that Ward was to get his big break. Whilst visiting Warner Bros to discuss a film script with producer Jules Schermer, the producer was so impressed with his appearance that he gave him a minor part in an episode of the western series "Lawman" which was filming the following morning. This break was followed by minor roles in other TV series, and in 1963 Schermer gave him the starring role of US Marshal Frank Ragan in a new western series called "The Dakotas", which also featured Jack Elam as his deputy. The series was suddenly canceled after a public outcry over the 19th episode, in which a priest was injured during a gunfight at a church.

Ward died on February 16 1985 in Los Angeles, California, aged 60.

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