Arthur Batanides


Arthur Batanides was an American film and television actor, originally from Tacoma, Washington.

Biography and career

He became enamored with acting after performing stand-up routines in front of fellow GIs in Europe during World War II. He was educated in dramatic art at the Actors' Lab in Los Angeles, followed by extensive stage experience.
In the 1959-1960 season, Batanides appeared in a supporting role as Police Sergeant Olivera in the syndicated crime drama Johnny Midnight, starring Edmond O'Brien as a New York City actor-turned-private detective.
Batanides guest starred in such series as Crusader, Zorro, Combat!, The Twilight Zone, The Asphalt Jungle, Blue Light, Lost in Space, ', The Silent Force, I Spy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Wild Wild West, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Bearcats!, The Odd Couple, The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza and Happy Days. He appeared as Bill Golding in the season six, 1963 episode of Perry Mason titled "The Case of the Shoplifter's Shoe". One of his more recognizable roles was that of the unfortunate Starfleet officer/geologist D'Amato in the ' episode "That Which Survives". Among his film credits are The Unearthly, Violent Road, The Leech Woman, Man-Trap, The Maltese Bippy, Evil Roy Slade and Brannigan. He also appeared as Mr. Kirkland in four of the Police Academy film series, and the sixth installment was his final acting appearance.
Batanides died on January 10, 2000 in Los Angeles, California.

Filmography