JOHN ERICSON has died at the age of 93.
Known for his appearance in Bad Day At Black Rock, John’s career started very promisingly at the age of 25 when he got the role of ‘Sefton’ (played by William Holden in the film version) in the Broadway hit, Stalag 17.
Born Joseph Meibes in Germany,John’s parents moved to America and John studied acting, along side Grace Kelly and Jack Palance in New York.
An MGM contract took John to Hollywood and he was quickly cast in several films, his first being Teresa in 1951.
With Elizabeth Taylor in Rhapsody (1954).
John played a classical pianist , along with Vittorio Gassman as a violinist – both competing for the beautiful Elizabeth.
In Green Fire, John played Grace Kelly’s brother.
A rather different looking John in The Student Prince with Ann Blyth. (Edmund Purdom does a great job lip synching the glorious voice of Mario Lanza.)
Not usually cast in villainous roles, John did well as the nasty younger brother of Barbara Stanwyck in Forty Guns.
But it is for being part of the ensemble cast of Bad Day at Black Rock, that John will be remembered by film buffs.
This time he plays the brother of Anne Francis and although he is part of the conspiracy led by Robert Ryan, his character is much less threatening than Lee Marvin or Ernest Borgnine.
Robert Ryan, John Ericson. BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK.
John’s film career was sporadic after the 50s and he turned to television, appearing in many shows.
He was reunited with Anne Francis in her series, Honey West.
With Anne Francis
I’m surprised he never got a series of his own.
One film of his I am curious about is The Cruel Tower (1956) which costarred Mari Blanchard and Charles McGraw? Has anyone seen it.
John continued acting till 2008.
Vienna's Classic Hollywood
Sad news. When I think of him I think of Bad Day at Black Rock and Forty Guns, not a bad pair of movies to be remembered for.
The Cruel Tower can be viewed here – https://ok.ru/video/1269995539088
Thanks for the link, Colin. I wonder if John did any more stage work.
Remember seeing him for the first time in a minor western, Return Of Jack Slade. Stay safe and well. Best regards.
That’s one I’d like to see.
Anybody who can play the role of JJ Sefton has to be a damn good actor. And Forty Guns is one of my favorites!
I agree which makes me wonder why he didn’t do more stage work.
Yep, Forty Guns stands out.
The photo of John Ericson with Ann Blyth is from the 1954 movie “The Student Prince”. “The Vagabond King” stars Kathryn Grayson
Of course it is, silly me. Thanks for pointing out my mistake. Will correct. Vagabond King being Oreste and Kathryn Grayson.