Enjoyed watching this. I had the honor to also meet Dabbs Greer at his home back in the 1990's and interview him about his life and career for a series of books my brother Jim and I were writing titled "Encyclopedia of Feature Players of Hollywood." I found him a very friendly and gracious man and appreciate being able to include him in our three volume set that included Dabbs and 150 other great character actors and actresses of that good old golden age of Hollywood.y
I am 78 years old and I, like you, remember Dabbs back in the early 50’s. I am glad that you wrote to him and let him know he had some fans out there, he surely deserved them.
So wonderful to hear his thoughts on young Landon, admit I rolled in my chair a bit. Reverand Alden was awesome, how many hundreds of afternoons did I see him as a youngster in the 80s. Even in recent times, I semi-regularly think to Rev. Alden's thoughts and gentle intensity. It's really good that someone like you existed to offer good friendship to Mr. Greer, and we're thankful to hear your message.
And so nice of you to take the time to express your kind thoughts. Dabbs had a wonderful career and he was a kind and thoughtful man. He also had a great sense of humor. I was fortunate to have known him for those many years. Kind regards.
*I also remember that Superman episode with Dabbs Greer when I first watched it in the early 1960's, around age 7. As I grew up, there was Dabbs, on one TV show or another. He may not have been a household name, but he quickly became a household face. He always made any show a notch above what it otherwise would've been. In one particular episode of The Rifleman, he played just the kind of role I'm sure he lived for: an unsavory man who ends up showing that even he has a streak of kindness and goodness when faced with terrible circumstances. Along with another character actor of his generation (Elisha Cook) Dabbs Greer was a talented gentleman that has yet to be replaced in the studios of Hollywood. Some of us out here have not forgotten him.*
Thanks for your comments. Dabbs worked knew and worked with so many of actors I loved watching. He enjoyed his work and was always looking to improve his craft. He truly was one of the best.
Very touching tribute!! I met him once in the early 1980's. We eventually began talking about other character actors and I told him from a kid in the 1950's I found Jack Elam, Claude Akins , Roy Barcroft and especially Lee Van Cleef interesting because they were usually the bad guy. Dabbs immediately told me about getting stranded in Mexico with Lee Van Cleef. They were in Mexico with parts in a film which starred one of the top female Mexican actresses then. Dabbs tried but was unable to recall her name. When the film wrapped the Producer told Dabbs and Van Cleef he was out of money and would not have airfare for them after all. Apparently they had little money with them as Dabbs said they were stranded there for several days but Lee, who was a nice man unlike his usual roles, and kept Dabbs from getting panicked by this terrible development. The two men eventually got back to Hollywood but tonight I can't exactly recall how they did it. Did he ever tell you anything about that experience? Dabbs did say as far as he knows the film was never released outside of Mexico and may have never been released.
Thanks for that story. I don't believe Dabbs ever told me that one. We were friends for only 30 years... hardly long enough to tell me all the many interesting things things he did in his 90 years. There was so much more to talk about, and I wish we had had more time.
Thank you for this tribute and reflection on your friend, Dabbs Greer. Hearing words of love and respect like yours is a beautiful experience - I hope many more come across your gift, and I thank you for setting a positive note to the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. Happy New Year!
Jim, for years I've known about your close friendship with Dabbs, now I know more about the extent and some details. Over the years I've seen Dabbs in a great variety of roles and genres, always an excellent performance. When my son, Justin, was young and Dabbs appeared on TV I sometimes asked if he recognized the actor. Mostly, Justin would reply " that's the guy Superman saved in the first episode". Re-appearances from Dabbs on Tv to this day on TV shows spark these great memories. The story you told about your co-worker and Dabbs was both interesting and revealing, thanks. I'll bet that somewhere in a Dictionary next to the words " character actor' there's a picture of Dabbs, with a big smile. Thanks again, Bob
Nice tribute to Dabbs, Jim. Not being familiar with all you've posted, did you capture any detailed reflections by Dabbs about his apprearing on "'Superman"? Related, I reckon only Judy Ann Nugent ("Around the World with Superman") is the only character actor still alive who might be willing to be interviewed about the great TV show.
Dabbs and I frequently discussed George Reeves. Dabbs knew George at the Pasadena Playhouse when Dabbs was an administrator and George performed in plays there. Dabbs also knew Ellanora Needles, George's wife from 1940 - 1949. And, of course, Dabbs was in three Superman episodes. Like everyone else I've spoken with over the years (including Ellanora Needles), Dabbs had good things to say about George. He found his to be warm, likeable, and generous. Fun-loving is a work Dabbs often used when talking about George.
July 4, 2024 ... and since you posted your note, Judy Nugent has also passed away. Sadly, I was never able to talk with her. I do know Beverly Washburn (Superman and the Moleman) well though, and am friends with Janine Perreau (Joey), and Greg Moffett (The Stolen Elephant).
Enjoyed watching this. I had the honor to also meet Dabbs Greer at his home back in the 1990's and interview him about his life and career for a series of books my brother Jim and I were writing titled "Encyclopedia of Feature Players of Hollywood." I found him a very friendly and gracious man and appreciate being able to include him in our three volume set that included Dabbs and 150 other great character actors and actresses of that good old golden age of Hollywood.y
Thanks for your comment. Dabbs was indeed "friendly and gracious" and humble.
I am 78 years old and I, like you, remember Dabbs back in the early 50’s. I am glad that you wrote to him and let him know he had some fans out there, he surely deserved them.
Yes, he surely did. And he was a treasure.
So wonderful to hear his thoughts on young Landon, admit I rolled in my chair a bit.
Reverand Alden was awesome, how many hundreds of afternoons did I see him as a youngster in the 80s. Even in recent times, I semi-regularly think to Rev. Alden's thoughts and gentle intensity.
It's really good that someone like you existed to offer good friendship to Mr. Greer, and we're thankful to hear your message.
And so nice of you to take the time to express your kind thoughts. Dabbs had a wonderful career and he was a kind and thoughtful man. He also had a great sense of humor. I was fortunate to have known him for those many years. Kind regards.
*I also remember that Superman episode with Dabbs Greer when I first watched it in the early 1960's, around age 7. As I grew up, there was Dabbs, on one TV show or another. He may not have been a household name, but he quickly became a household face. He always made any show a notch above what it otherwise would've been. In one particular episode of The Rifleman, he played just the kind of role I'm sure he lived for: an unsavory man who ends up showing that even he has a streak of kindness and goodness when faced with terrible circumstances. Along with another character actor of his generation (Elisha Cook) Dabbs Greer was a talented gentleman that has yet to be replaced in the studios of Hollywood. Some of us out here have not forgotten him.*
Thanks for your comments. Dabbs worked knew and worked with so many of actors I loved watching. He enjoyed his work and was always looking to improve his craft. He truly was one of the best.
no no no you don' remember . lies lies lies
Such a great actor, he could play any part and always played it well. No surprise that he worked so often and so long.
Could not agree more. He was someone special.
Very touching tribute!! I met him once in the early 1980's. We eventually began talking about other character actors and I told him from a kid in the 1950's I found Jack Elam, Claude Akins , Roy Barcroft and especially Lee Van Cleef interesting because they were usually the bad guy. Dabbs immediately told me about getting stranded in Mexico with Lee Van Cleef. They were in Mexico with parts in a film which starred one of the top female Mexican actresses then. Dabbs tried but was unable to recall her name. When the film wrapped the Producer told Dabbs and Van Cleef he was out of money and would not have airfare for them after all. Apparently they had little money with them as Dabbs said they were stranded there for several days but Lee, who was a nice man unlike his usual roles, and kept Dabbs from getting panicked by this terrible development. The two men eventually got back to Hollywood but tonight I can't exactly recall how they did it.
Did he ever tell you anything about that experience? Dabbs did say as far as he knows the film was never released outside of Mexico and may have never been released.
Thanks for that story. I don't believe Dabbs ever told me that one. We were friends for only 30 years... hardly long enough to tell me all the many interesting things things he did in his 90 years. There was so much more to talk about, and I wish we had had more time.
Thank you for this tribute and reflection on your friend, Dabbs Greer. Hearing words of love and respect like yours is a beautiful experience - I hope many more come across your gift, and I thank you for setting a positive note to the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the nice note. Dabbs Greer was truly a treasured gift in my life. And best in the New Year to you as well.
Really nice reminiscing about your famous friend. Thanks for sharing.
Great tribute.
Great tribute !
Jim, for years I've known about your close friendship with Dabbs, now I know more about the extent and some details. Over the years I've
seen Dabbs in a great variety of roles and genres, always an excellent performance. When my son, Justin, was young and Dabbs appeared
on TV I sometimes asked if he recognized the actor. Mostly, Justin would reply " that's the guy Superman saved in the first episode".
Re-appearances from Dabbs on Tv to this day on TV shows spark these great memories. The story you told about your co-worker and Dabbs
was both interesting and revealing, thanks. I'll bet that somewhere in a Dictionary next to the words " character actor' there's a picture of
Dabbs, with a big smile. Thanks again, Bob
Thanks for the thoughtful comments, Bob. Dabbs was a treasure, and making this video causes me to miss him even more than I had before.
A lovely tribute, Jim.
Thanks, Ciarán. Dabbs was truly one of a kind.
Excellent Summary James!
Glad you liked it, Jeff. See you in July!
I liked his Rifleman characters best. A very broad and diverse assortment of performances.
Thank you for the video.
You're welcome, and thank you for watching.
He was very good in the 70s shazam show...
Nice tribute to Dabbs, Jim. Not being familiar with all you've posted, did you capture any detailed reflections by Dabbs about his apprearing on "'Superman"?
Related, I reckon only Judy Ann Nugent ("Around the World with Superman") is the only character actor still alive who might be willing to be interviewed about the great TV show.
Dabbs and I frequently discussed George Reeves. Dabbs knew George at the Pasadena Playhouse when Dabbs was an administrator and George performed in plays there. Dabbs also knew Ellanora Needles, George's wife from 1940 - 1949. And, of course, Dabbs was in three Superman episodes. Like everyone else I've spoken with over the years (including Ellanora Needles), Dabbs had good things to say about George. He found his to be warm, likeable, and generous. Fun-loving is a work Dabbs often used when talking about George.
July 4, 2024 ... and since you posted your note, Judy Nugent has also passed away. Sadly, I was never able to talk with her. I do know Beverly Washburn (Superman and the Moleman) well though, and am friends with Janine Perreau (Joey), and Greg Moffett (The Stolen Elephant).
Remember him ìn twin lookalike supermen episode
Yes... as Mr Pebble (or Peebles) and Dan Dobey. Dabbs and George Reeves were old and good friends.