Don DeFore
Actor
About Don DeFore
Don DeFore (born Donald DeFore) was an American actor who had a prolific career in film and television during Hollywood's Golden Age. He began his acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in numerous films including war dramas, comedies, and film noirs. DeFore became particularly well-known for his wholesome, all-American persona, often playing the friendly neighbor or reliable sidekick. His career spanned over three decades, transitioning successfully from film to television in the 1950s. He was perhaps best known for his role as George 'Thorny' Thornberry on the popular sitcom 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.' Later in his career, he became a successful businessman and community leader. DeFore's affable screen presence and versatility made him a recognizable face in American entertainment throughout the mid-20th century.
The Craft
On Screen
Don DeFore was known for his natural, affable acting style that embodied the ideal American everyman. He specialized in playing friendly, dependable characters with a warm, approachable demeanor. His performances were characterized by subtle comedic timing and a genuine sincerity that made him relatable to audiences. DeFore's technique was understated yet effective, allowing him to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles. He had a talent for playing the loyal friend, helpful neighbor, or supportive family member, often serving as the moral center of the productions he appeared in.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'Winning Your Wings' (1942)
- Starred in film noir 'Too Late for Tears' (1949)
- Regular role as George 'Thorny' Thornberry on 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' (1953-1957)
- Lead role in 'The Bob Cummings Show' (1955-1959)
- Star of his own series 'The Don DeFore Show' (1959)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960)
Nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for 'The Bob Cummings Show' (1957)
- Golden Globe nomination for 'The Bob Cummings Show'
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6800 Hollywood Boulevard
- Served as President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Don DeFore represented the idealized American everyman during a transformative period in American entertainment history. His wholesome image and relatable characters helped define the family-friendly entertainment of the 1950s television era. As television became the dominant medium in American homes, DeFore successfully transitioned from film to the small screen, helping establish the template for the sitcom supporting character. His portrayal of helpful, neighborly characters reflected and reinforced the post-war American values of community and suburban stability. DeFore's career trajectory from film actor to television star mirrored the broader shifts in the entertainment industry during the mid-20th century.
Lasting Legacy
Don DeFore left a lasting legacy as one of television's pioneering character actors who helped establish the sitcom format. His work on 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' and 'The Bob Cummings Show' contributed to the development of the American family sitcom as a genre. Beyond his on-screen work, DeFore's service as President of NATAS demonstrated his commitment to advancing the television industry. His Hollywood Walk of Fame star recognizes his significant contributions to American entertainment. DeFore is remembered for embodying the wholesome, dependable American archetype that defined much of 1950s popular culture.
Who They Inspired
Don DeFore influenced generations of character actors who followed in television comedy. His natural, understated approach to playing the everyman character became a template for sitcom supporting roles. His successful transition from film to television demonstrated the viability of television as a legitimate medium for established film actors. DeFore's ability to maintain a consistent screen persona across different projects while avoiding typecasting showed the value of developing a recognizable but versatile character brand. His career longevity and adaptability served as a model for actors navigating the rapidly changing entertainment landscape of the mid-20th century.
Off Screen
Don DeFore was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to dancer and actress Marion Holmes in 1942, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 1961. He later married Penny Ann Santon in 1962, and they remained together until his death. DeFore was known for his strong family values and was actively involved in community service throughout his life. He was a devoted family man who balanced his successful entertainment career with his commitments to his wife and children. Later in life, he became involved in real estate development and business ventures in the Palm Springs area.
Education
Graduated from the University of Iowa, Studied drama at the Pasadena Playhouse
Family
- Marion Holmes (1942-1961)
- Penny Ann Santon (1962-1993)
Did You Know?
- Served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II
- Was a close friend of Ronald Reagan, with whom he appeared in several films
- His role in 'Winning Your Wings' (1942) was actually an uncredited appearance
- 'Too Late for Tears' (1949) has become a cult classic film noir
- He was an accomplished pilot and owned several aircraft
- DeFore was actively involved in Republican politics
- He was a founding member of the Palm Springs International Film Festival
- His daughter Penny DeFore briefly followed in his footsteps as an actress
- He appeared in over 100 films and television shows during his career
- Was a successful businessman, investing in real estate and restaurants
In Their Own Words
I've always tried to be the kind of person that people would like to have as a neighbor.
Television gave me the opportunity to really develop a character over time, which you couldn't always do in films.
The secret to longevity in this business is being reliable and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Don DeFore?
Don DeFore was an American actor known for his work in Hollywood films during the 1940s and popular television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. He was best known for his wholesome, everyman persona and his roles as George 'Thorny' Thornberry on 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' and Roy Hinkley on 'The Bob Cummings Show.'
What films is Don DeFore best known for?
Don DeFore is best known for his appearances in 'Winning Your Wings' (1942), 'Too Late for Tears' (1949), 'The Man Who Walked Alone' (1945), 'My Favorite Brunette' (1947), and 'Good Sam' (1948). His film noir 'Too Late for Tears' has become a cult classic among film enthusiasts.
When was Don DeFore born and when did he die?
Don DeFore was born on August 25, 1913, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and passed away on December 22, 1993, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 80.
What awards did Don DeFore win?
Don DeFore received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on 'The Bob Cummings Show' in 1957. He also served as President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
What was Don DeFore's acting style?
Don DeFore was known for his natural, affable acting style that embodied the ideal American everyman. He specialized in playing friendly, dependable characters with a warm, approachable demeanor, characterized by subtle comedic timing and genuine sincerity that made him relatable to audiences.
Learn More
Films
2 films
