Vinton Hayworth (June 4, 1906 – May 21, 1970), also known as Jack Arnold and Vincent Haworth,[note 1] was an American actor, playwright and screenwriter who began in weaselly and milquetoast roles and aged into dignified character parts.[1] He appeared in over 90 films during his career, as well as on numerous television shows. Later audiences will recognize him from his final role as General Winfield Schaeffer in the fourth and fifth seasons of the sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. He was the uncle of Rita Hayworth, as well as being the uncle (by marriage) of Ginger Rogers.
Career
Born in Washington, D.C., Hayworth began acting in his late teens. He was a pioneering radio announcer in the early 1920s, first in Washington, later in New York City, and then in Chicago.[1] Subsequently, he appeared on numerous radio programs in various roles. He played Fred Andrews on Archie Andrews,[2] was an announcer on Chaplain Jim,[2]: 70–71 played Philip Roberts on It's Higgins, Sir,[2]: 166 played Port on Lone Journey,[2]: 204 played Alonzo Smith on Meet Me in St. Louis,[2]: 223 and portrayed Jack Arnold on Myrt and Marge.[2]: 249
By 1933 he began to perform in films, still under the stage name Jack Arnold. He initially appeared on screen in small roles, often as comically good-natured, sneaky characters. He did, though, occasionally have larger parts, such costarring with Constance Worth and Leslie Fenton in China Passage (1937), a production in which he is billed as Vinton Haworth.[3] His appearances credited as Jack Arnold ended in the early 1940s, and he did a two-year stint on Broadway from 1942 to 1944 before returning to California, where he continued to work in films into the 1960s.
Hayworth was also one of the founders of AFRA (later AFTRA), the union representing radio and television artists, of which he was also the president from 1951 to 1954.
Hayworth began to perform increasingly on television in the 1950s. In 1953–1954, he was an announcer on The Buick-Berle Show on NBC.[4] He also appeared in a variety of roles on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, Dennis the Menace (as Mr. Cramer in 1960 episode "Out of Retirement"), Petticoat Junction, Ripcord, Pistols and Petticoats (one episode 1967), Hazel (6 episodes), The Munsters, Green Acres (1965) and Dick Tracy (1967). He played Magistrado Carlos Galindo on Disney's Zorro (1957–1959). His final role was as General Winfield Schaeffer on I Dream of Jeannie between 1969 and 1970.[4]: 490–491 Hayworth replaced Barton MacLane, who had played General Martin Peterson until his death in 1969. Coincidentally, both Hayworth and MacLane died before the final episodes in which they appeared had been broadcast.
Death
Hayworth died of a heart attack on May 21, 1970, at the age of 63, shortly after completing his recurring role of General Winfield Schaeffer in I Dream of Jeannie.
Personal
Hayworth was married to actress Jean Owens, whose sister was Lela Emogene Owens, mother of actress Ginger Rogers. Another sister-in-law, Verda Virginia Clendenin (née Owens; formerly Brown Nichols), was the mother of actress Phyllis Fraser.
^ abTerrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. pp. 145–146. ISBN978-0-7864-6477-7.
