Emory Bass

Bass

Emory Bass (born Emory P. Bass, Jr.; August 12, 1925 – March 4, 2015) was an American theater and television actor. His television career included guest roles on Hart to Hart, Dark Shadows, Mr. Belvedere, Murder, She Wrote, and Webster.[1][2] He also had a recurring role as Phipps in the ABC television series, Angie (1979–80).[2]

Bass was born in Valdosta, Georgia to Estelle (née Johnston) and Emory P. Bass, Sr.[1][3] He received a bachelor's degree in journalism.[where?] He then spent two years performing at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, after graduation before moving to New York City.[1]

Bass began his professional career as a cast member of a touring production of the play, Glad Tidings, starring Tallulah Bankhead. He and Bankhead remained lifelong friends after the tour.[1] Bass toured with the productions of Everybody Loves Opal, starring Nancy Walker; Time Out for Ginger, starring Art Carney; and Woman of the Year, starring Lauren Bacall.[1]

In New York City, Bass appeared on Broadway in The Teahouse of the August Moon, Pal Joey, Can-Can, and the 1973 revival of Irene, starring Debbie Reynolds.[1] Bass starred as James Wilson in both the original Broadway production of the musical, 1776, which opened in 1969, as well the 1972 film adaption, 1776.[1][2]

Bass appeared in a number of Off Broadway productions, including Bad Habits, By Jupiter, The Boys from Syracuse, and Lysistrata.[1] Outside the U.S., he starred in an overseas production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.[1] He was also the spokesperson and voice of the Discover Card's advertising campaign for three years.[1]

Death

Emory Bass died in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles on March 4, 2015, aged 89.[1][2]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1972 1776 Judge James Wilson (PA)
1978 The Cheap Detective Butler
1979 Scavenger Hunt Hotel Manager
1988 18 Again! Art Teacher
1989 Murphy's Laws of Golf Salesman Short Film; final film role

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1970–1971 Dark Shadows Mr. Best / Minister / Opening Voiceover 4 episodes
1975 Kojak Stacowski Episode: "Money Back Guarantee"
1976 The Tony Randall Show Maitre D' Episode: "Pilot"
1977 Mixed Nuts Dr. Folder TV movie
1978 A.E.S. Hudson Street Oosterhazen Episode: "In the Black"
1979 The Jeffersons Clifford Wentworth Episode: "Every Night Fever"
1979 Rendezvous Hotel Edward Daley TV movie
1979–1980 Angie Phipps 16 episodes
1982 Hart to Hart Mr. Pond Episode: "Hart of Diamonds"
1982 The Devlin Connection Episode: "Ring of Kings, Ring of Thieves"
1982 CBS Children's Mystery Theatre Charles Edmund Emerson III Episode: "The Zertigo Diamond Caper"
1983 Three's Company Maitre D' Episode: "Janet's Little Helper"
1984 Second Edition TV movie
1984 Three's a Crowd Recital Host Episode: "Vacation from Sex"
1985 Simon & Simon Louis Boren Episode: "Mummy Talks"
1986 Silver Spoons Rupert Metcalf Episode: "The Lady Is a Tramp"
1986 Dynasty Clerk Episode: "The Alarm"
1986 Webster Butler Bob Episode: "That's Rich"
1987 Brothers Eric Episode: "Man's Choice"
1987–1990 Murder, She Wrote Jonathan Barish / Manager 2 episodes
1990 Mr. Belvedere Minister Episode: "Mr. Belvedere's Wedding: Part 2"
1991 Father Dowling Mysteries Auctioneer Episode: "The Consulting Detective Mystery"
1994 Hart to Hart: Old Friends Never Die TV movie; final role

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Actor Emory Bass Dies at 89". Variety. March 10, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d "Actor Emory Bass Dies at 89". The Hollywood Reporter. March 9, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  3. ^ "Stage and Screen Star Emory Bass Dies at 89". broadwayworld.com. March 9, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.