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BORN

1922

DIED

2016

William Schallert Obituary

William Schallert, the ubiquitous character actor who portrayed Patty Duke’s father on her eponymous hit 1960s sitcom, died May 8 at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, according to multiple news sources, including The Associated Press. He was 93.

The actor’s death was announced by his son, Edwin. He did not specify the cause of death.

Schallert’s best-known role was Martin Lane, the father and uncle of Patty Duke, who also played the role of her look-alike teenage cousin Cathy, Lane’s daughter on “The Patty Duke Show,” which ran from 1963 to 1966. Duke preceded Schallert in death March 29, 2016.

Schallert also played the old-fashioned high school English teacher on “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” which ran from 1959 to 1963.

The actor also appeared in films including “The Man From Planet X” (1951), “Pillow Talk” (1959) with Doris Day and Rock Hudson, “Speedway” (1968) with Elvis Presley, and “The Jerk” (1979) with Steve Martin.

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He was born July 6, 1922, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Edwin Francis Schallert, was a longtime drama critic for the Los Angeles Times, and his mother, Elza Schallert, was a magazine writer and radio host.

He studied acting at the University of California at Los Angeles and began acting professionally in the 1940s.

Schallert reflected on his career in a 2009 interview with the pop culture writer Sam Tweedle.

“In terms of acting, I don’t think I was a great actor,” Schallert told the writer, “but I was a very versatile actor. I fit into a variety of things. I was what you called a ‘straight character’ actor. That turned out to be less of an advantage when you get old. It would be better if I was more gnarly looking.”
Published by Lawrence Journal-World on May 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Schallert

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130 Entries

May 14, 2020

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My heartfelt condolences to the family's

Stephen Morris

May 7, 2020

You are missed William

Stephen Morris

May 7, 2019

William was great actor from gunsmoke have gun will travel bonanza other westerns

Don Fry

November 23, 2018

I was reminiscing about long time actors that brought integrity, values, and integrity to the screen. He was one that came to mind. The world is poorer with his passing.

Harry Simpson

May 9, 2017

Rest William, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Mary

July 13, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Schallert family on the loss of their dear father. I have fond memories of seeing Mr. Schallert on television as I was growing up. Long ago, he was a school friend of my father, Mr. Howard, and so our family always enjoyed seeing him portraying the role of of a kind, fatherly gentlemen in many family-oriented TV programs. May they both rest in peace, Mr. and Mrs. Schallert, and God bless the Schallert family.

rick place

July 8, 2016

just wanted to say was thinking of the william j schallert family this past july 6th, he would have been 94 yrs old. what a great man! deeply missed!

stephen morris

May 30, 2016

Lol I was watching rifleman other day & seen Mr. William. S on that esopide!!

Chris

May 30, 2016

RIP to a great actor. I loved him in the Patty Duke Show, Dobie Gillis, Nancy Drew, The Waltons and so many other shows and movies and the saw the tribute to him at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum for his voice of Lincoln at the Museum and when I listened to his voice as Lincoln it was very touching.

Jennifer Baribault

May 21, 2016

TO THE WILLIAM SCHALLERT FAMILY:
IT WAS TRULY SO SAD TO HEAR THAT WE LOST ANOTHER GREAT & YET TALENTED ACTOR THAT MADE US LAUGH, MY HEART WAS BROKEN WHEN I HEARD THAT WILLIAM SCHALLERT DIE ON MAY 8TH SIX WEEKS AFTER THE DEATH OF HIS ON-SCREEN DAUGHTER PATTY LANE PAST AWAY ON MARCH 29, AS WILLIAM WALK THROUGH THE HOLLYWOOD GATES HE WAS GREET BY PATTY WHICH THERE ARE REUNITED IN ENTERAL NOW. HE DID GUEST APPEARANCES, APPEAR ON THE TELEIVISON SERIES "THE PATTY DUKE SHOW" WILLIAM STAR WITH PATTY DUKE WHICH SHE PLAYED A DOUBLE ROLE AS PATTY LANE, A TYPICAL AMERICAN TEENAGER, AND HER CULTURED COUSIN CATHY, WHO LIVE WITH PATTY'S FAMILY. CATHY WAS NEWLY ARRIVED FROM SCOTLAND BECAUSE HER FATHER KENNETH WORK FOR THE CHRONICLE FOREIGN CORREPSONDENT OVERSEAS, WHERE THE THEME SONG TOLD VIEWERS, SHE "ADORES A MINUET, THE BALLETS RUSSES AND CREPS SUZETTE". "PATTY, MEANWHILE, JUST LIKES ROCK-AND-ROLL AND HOT DOGS. MR. SCHALLERT WAS CAST AS PATTY'S FATHER HARRIED FATHER (AND CATHY'S UNCLE), WHO WAS CONFUSSED BY THE LOOK-ALIKE GIRL... I REMEMBER 1 EPISODE THAT CATHY'S FATHER WAS POST TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TO SEE CATHY, COILDN'T MAKE IT BUT MARTIN TRY TO CHEER UP CATHY WHICH HE ACT LIKE HER FATHER THAT HE WAS COMING HOME SEE HER, BUT HER FATHER CAME, RJ CAME OVER TO THE LANE HOUSE TO FIRE KENNETH BUT HE DECIDE NOT WHICH HE STAY UNTIL THE NEW YEAR, RJ IS ALSO, MARTIN LANES BOSS WHICH HE WORKS FOR THE NEW YORK DAILY CHRONICAL AS MANAGERIAL EDITOR. ALSO, HE PLAYED DOUBLE ROLE MARTIN LANE/ HIS BROTHER KENNETH, I LOVE "THE PAT DUKE SHOW",HE ALSO APPEAR ON "THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY" WHICH THE FAMILY WENT TO CHURCH WHICH THEY SPOT A COUNTRY FOLK SINGER, THEN REUBIN GOT HIM A GIG AT A COFFEE PLACE, THEN HE JOIN IN WITH THE PARTRIDGES AS THEY DID A PERFORMANCE, I LOVE THE SHOW. HE WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTEEN, TWO MOVIES HE DID THAT I LIKE. MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOU FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. RIP ENTERAL MARTIN/KENNETH LANE.

D H

May 20, 2016

We just watched season 9 of the Walton
and enjoyed Williams part as Stanley
beau of Ms. Rose.
So sorry for your loss, may the family
find comfort in the words at John 28:29.

Kathy & Buddy Barnett

May 16, 2016

We are heartbroken....We love you...We enjoyed your work on The Patty Duke Show & Dobie Gillis....Thank You for the beautiful autographed picture that you sent to us...we will treasure it always....Rest in peace kind sir...you will be missed & always remembered...Sending love & prayers to your family & friends.

May 16, 2016

The family of mr.schallert sorry for your loss , what a good long life he enjoyed, he was one of those especially strong ~psalms 90:10

Paula B.

May 16, 2016

I remember him from The Waltons. I pray that the family continue be comforted from God's word. I will continue to pray for them all. Paula B. 05/16/2016

Gale B

May 16, 2016

Sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of all comfort, friends and family be with you through your grief.

Mr. &Mrs. Anthony Kapsis

May 15, 2016

Sad to know we lost another wonderful man.
Grew up watching him,and wanted my father to be more like him.
So sorry for the families loss, thank you for sharing him with us

Stephenmn Morris

May 14, 2016

Will miss Mr.William roles on gunsmoke& other western movies RIP !!;

G. Freeman

May 13, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

May 13, 2016

With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that William will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.

May 13, 2016

I will always remember Mr. Wlliam Schallert. I enjoyed all of his performances (especially during the Patty Duke series). "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way" (Booker T. Washington). Respectfully submitted by:
Artemus Flagg, Ph. D., LPC of Charlotte, NC.

Jack K

May 13, 2016

Mr. Schallert played a small, but very important, role in one of the best movies of all-time, "In the Heat of the Night" (Oscar for Best Picture). He played the mayor, a role that was pivotal in understanding the tenor of the times and providing insight into what motivated the sheriff (Rod Steiger, Oscar for Best Actor). Mr. Schallert set a good example in virtually all of his roles, while bringing depth and dimension to his art. He was a decent man, represented the best of his era, and will be remembered for his admirable qualities.

May 13, 2016

It is so sad to hear of the death of Mr Schallert. Remember family and friends that you can always go to the Almighty God of comfort and pour out your heart to him. He will give you power beyond what is normal to help you make it through this difficult. God love añd care for you"

T.W. Day

May 12, 2016

Mr. Schallert was a fine actor. He was the absolute professional and made an impact on each production he was involved with. My thoughts and prayers to his family during their time of loss.

Dianne

May 12, 2016

Mr. Schallert enjoyed what appeared to have been a great life and a memorable career. For this, many of us boomers are very thankful. Wishing him a peaceful sleep, one very much earned. My sincere condolences to his mourning loved ones!

Anonymous

May 12, 2016

Condolences to the family

May 12, 2016

May the family have the peace that only God can give.....

Carol Carter

May 11, 2016

You were a welcomed guest in our homes via your TV appearances. Condolences to your family.

Michael Clermont

May 11, 2016

RiP now your with Patty Condolence to your family

Creig

May 11, 2016

I enjoyed watching him on several shows. .Star Trek.. In the Heat of the Night..and others..we lost a good man. R I P Mr. Schallert

May 11, 2016

We have lost a fine character actor. My condolences to the Schallert family.

May 11, 2016

Loved watching you...may you Rest in Peace . Condolences to your family.

GB in Colonie,NY

May 11, 2016

I love watching William in the Patty Duke Show and Dobie Gillis as well as the many other shows I have seen him on. RIP

C A

May 11, 2016

So sorry for your loss-always enjoyed watching Mr. Schallert on the Patty Duke show and read his kind comments about her a few weeks ago. He was a true gentleman and an example for younger actors in all media. Rest in Peace!

May 11, 2016

One of the best character actors around. Rest in Peace, Mr. Schallert.

DD Shipman

May 11, 2016

With love,
DD, Steve And Gavin

rick place

May 11, 2016

so long dear friend. heaven's a nicer place now! thanks for all your memories to enjoy on dvds

rick place

May 11, 2016

william schallert was my favorite actor. he was extremely talented as shown by the many charactors he portrayed. i wish i could have heard him sing more as he did in the partridge family show. i grew up with him starting with dobie gillis and most importantly to me-the patty duke show. i have all 3 seasons of the P.D. show on dvd. i also have many dvd movies of his and various tv episodes. he was well liked by everyone and a total role model for all. i so wanted to meet him. i found out he did "monster bash" touring shows. in 2013 he was supposed to be at the one in mars pa. but he had to cancel. he lived during the greatest years of america and hollywood. he made tv better with his gentle nature and fine acting. he will always be remembered thru dvds.a loyal husband and good father he was. the world lost a truly great man but heaven has gained one. i hope one day my dream will come true and meet him there. so long dear friend, i know your at total peace. sincere sympathy to all your family! most sincerely rick place-a loyal fan. i hope your family will receive this. [email protected]

N Azbell

May 11, 2016

My late pay from junior high, Danny Heidt, served as security for numerous celebrities, one of whom was Mr. Schallert at some point in time. In speaking with Danny one day, he mentioned his admiration for the actor, describing him as a warm and genuine fellow. Not all celebrities deserved such description, he added, but Mr. Schallert stood out as a fine person notable for his decency and sincerity. Apparently a life well led, Mr. Schallert. R.I.P.

May 11, 2016

Enjoyed you in the versatile roles you played, especially on the Waltons. You will be missed. You will live on in your roles. My sympathy to your family and friends. Karen from Ohio

May 11, 2016

you will be miss.

r roc

May 11, 2016

Loved him as the Admiral on Get Smart.

May 11, 2016

thanks for the many years of great laughs you will be missed

Scott DiMicco

Jack Stone

May 11, 2016

Thank-you for being a bedrock in the entertainment industry for over 65 years. I greatly enjoyed your performances. My prayers to your family at this difficult time.

Benita Ryan

May 11, 2016

So many wonderful memories...Thank you for making that happen! May you rest in God's love!

May 11, 2016

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

May 11, 2016

Dear Edwin and other family members and friends, I am sorry for the loss of your father, William. Right away I recognized him as a great actor when I saw his obit. May the many fond memories you share of him ease your sorrow (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY

May 11, 2016

A cool, cool, guy...I grew up watching and enjoying the characters William played. Thoughts now turn to the family and close friends as they Cherish the many memories and look to a glorious reunion as promised at Revealtion 21:3, 4.
Christopher Anthony
Aurora, Ohio

RDR

May 11, 2016

Thank you for the memories!! I truly enjoyed watching him on the patty Duke show. May God comfort you in the passing of your Dad. He was a great actor. Please accept my condolences from my family to yours.

Babs Marchand

May 10, 2016

Thank you for the many years of entertainment. Rest in peace Mr. Schallert.

May 10, 2016

Funny how you can miss yourself in what you do. Playing the Scarlet Cyclone with the DC superheroes, doing Star Trek, comedy or drama, he was enjoyed because of the life be gave his roles. He worked because he was respected as an actor by the audience and the mgmt. - that's pretty good no matter who you are!
David Lomazoff

Mark & Jan Kraut

May 10, 2016

We loved him on the Walton's.

Toni Ponzo

May 10, 2016

Many happy memories watching Mr. Schallert in his various roles in movies and TV. Sincere condolences and sympathy to his family and friends.

Marilyn dewald

May 10, 2016

I was sorry to hear aboutWilliam schallert.I enjoyed him on patty duke show. He was a great actor and a gentle man.

May 10, 2016

Loved everything he did. No one could fit into a part better. He will be missed. The work will keep his memory alive forever.
Mike Rash
Aliso Viejo california

Carmen

May 10, 2016

RIP. Such Great Memorys

Richard Herrick

May 10, 2016

R.I.P.

MA

May 10, 2016

I send my cou. My God grant you peace as you cope with your dear loss.

May 10, 2016

A great actor. Rest in peace Mr.Schallert.

Bill Collins

May 10, 2016

I enjoyed Mr. Schallert's TV and movie roles! He was a likeable, reasonable dad to Patti Duke, and in other roles, you recognized him immediately, even if you didn't know his name. My condolences to his family. I will miss him, but will look forward to seeing him on screen again!

Clements

May 10, 2016

May the family and fans continue to feel the comfort and support that comes from our loving God at this time of sorrow.

Timothy Trahey

May 10, 2016

Thanks for the humor and enjoyment...I watch Patty Duke on DVD each week. Also,Get Smart you played the old man,too. That was hilarious. The world lost another classic.

Giovanni Leardi

May 10, 2016

Thank you for the wonderful memories.

"The Walton's"

Sharon Weaver

May 10, 2016

I also remember him as a love interest/fiance of Cousin Rose on the Walton's. Always a pleasure to watch him in any program he was on.. You will be truly missed . May you rest peacefully, Mr Schallert

Mike W. Barr

May 10, 2016

Thanks for all the years of entertainment.

May 10, 2016

Your movies are an example of what we would call g rated movies

Tara Archer

May 10, 2016

Rest in Peace Mr. Shallert. I loved watching you in all the shows you acted in, thank you for sharing your amazing career with all of us. I always wanted to be your daughter too. I look forward to meeting you in Heaven someday. God Bless

Jennifer Petra-Potter

May 10, 2016

Prayers for the family.

Gail Gray

May 10, 2016

Thank you for being a part of one of my favorite shows to watch as a child, kids these days don't know the meaning of family tv, that helped show real family values...May you rest in peace Mr Schallert

May 10, 2016

Trouble with tribbles. He will be missed.

Debra Colgrove

May 10, 2016

Rest in the peace of Christ. Thanks for the wonderful memories. I've watched you all of my life and your kind smile will be missed by many. You had more fans than you probably knew!

May 10, 2016

May your hearts be filled with wonderful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10. Annie C. Ga.

Grady Youngblood

May 10, 2016

William Schallert is the Greatest Actor on tv & Movies.

R. C.

May 10, 2016

To The Family Of William Schallert
May condolences to the family during this time of such great sorrow. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strengthen you now and in the days ahead.

Kevin

May 10, 2016

His role as Admiral Hargrade on Get Smart was a family favorite. What a great career!

Rick

May 10, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the SCHALLERT FAMILY in their time of bereavement. At times like these, drawing close to 'God' will "sustain you."

Barbara Kuzminski

May 10, 2016

Aww first Patty Duke and now her on screen Dad. Grew up watching this show as did so many. You will be missed. RIP. Prayers to your family

Les Breese

May 10, 2016

I always enjoyed watching William Schallert's portrayal of Mr. Pomfrit on "Dobie Gillis"...he was a splendid actor who always turned in a fine performance. My condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans at this sad and difficult time.

DENISE

May 10, 2016

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. RIP MR SCHALLERT.

May 10, 2016

So sorry for your loss. God Bless. May you have Peace in Heaven.

Cherry Norton

May 10, 2016

So sorry for your loss, prayer's that you find comfort in knowing one day you will see each other again.

May 10, 2016

Truly saddened to hear about William Schallert's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. May precious memories of him live in our hearts and in God's book of life.

Tonini

May 10, 2016

To the William Schallert family so sorry for your
lost, Thank you for sharing William with us all
those years he was a great actor on the Patty Duke, may he RIP, and God Bless

Kathleen Conley

May 10, 2016

TV will never be the same. May God bless his soul.

Tammy dd

May 10, 2016

My condolence go out to the Schallert family and friends.
Prayers are with the family.

May 10, 2016

William Schallert portrayed the image of a good, talented, old fashioned character...those are the best. My sincere condolences to the family and friends for their loss. Moments like these are difficult to deal with. May God grant in you of His strength and comfort to help you endure your grief and sadness - He can become your stronghold.

Theresa Yankoski Wyzinski

May 10, 2016

My Deepest Sympathy to the family of Mr. Schallert. He was one of the best TV dads! I remember him when I was young watching him on the Patty Duke Show and other TV shows at that time. I thought he was the sweetest person! Especially as Patty's father. Used to watch the show with my father. Last happy memory I have of my father was at Christmas time putting our tree up and watching the Patty Duke Show together! It is something that Patty and Mr. Schallert passed away so close! So sad that everyone from my childhood are passing away!
RIP Mr. Schallert!

Keith Wright

May 10, 2016

God rest your soul, sir, you have been a part of my family for decades, for we have had you in our living room,gun smoke,Bat Masterson... the list just to long, thank you for all, rest in peace.

Sheila

May 10, 2016

Thank you for sharing your talent. God bless you and all those who loved you.

chris cazzato

May 10, 2016

to his family so sorry for his loss what a great actor.now hes up in heaven with patty duke god bless

May 10, 2016

I'm a big fan. Just to look at your face makes me happy. RIP Mr. Shallert.

Heidi Dianne Young

May 9, 2016

May God be with the family in your time of need he was a great actor and his memory will live on forever

ricky tyrrell

May 9, 2016

Love watching you throughout my childhood rest in peace William

May 9, 2016

Please accept my condolences,sorry for your loss. Matthew 11:28,29,30, (a source of comfort)

Harry Simpson

May 9, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Jackie Hagen

May 9, 2016

So very sorry for the families loss. I watched this man over the years. What a kind soul.

Barbara Amster

May 9, 2016

I disagree with the late Mr. Schallert, he was a fine actor. He made it look easy. He was everyman in many, many. Films! Goodbye!

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