Rescher was born in New York City. His father Jay Rescher was a cinematographer and union organizer, and his mother Jean Tolley was a silent film actress.[3][4] For at least some of his youth, he and his family lived on Long Island.[5] After high school, Gayne, served in World War II as a fighter pilot.[3] He studied to be an actor at the American Theater School.[4]
Rescher was married three times. His first wife was Ottilie Kruger, daughter of actor Otto Kruger. His second wife was Darlene Keane, who died of lung cancer.[4] His third wife was Gail Ferguson.[3] He had three daughters (Gaye Rescher Ribble, Dee Dee Rescher and Deborah Jean Rescher Miller) and two grandchildren.[3]
In his final years Rescher resided at Fox Island, Washington.[1] He died at age 83 in nearby Gig Harbor, Washington.[4]
