Actor. He is best remembered for his role of 'General Frank Savage' in the television series, "Twelve O'Clock High" (1964 to 1965). Born Robert Howell Brown in San Diego, California, he adopted the stage name Robert Lansing from the capital of Michigan, which he had once visited. He took an early interest in acting, with his first appearance in 1956 on the Kraft Television Theater episode, "Shadow of Suspicion." His first movie role was as 'Dr. Scott Nelson' in the low-budget horror film, the "4D Man" (1959). Better roles would eventually come to him; in 1959, he played 'Peter Brooks' in the television series "Young Dr. Malone," and he had some small roles in such films as "A Gathering of Eagles" (1963) and "Under the Yum Yum Tree" (1963). After two seasons (1964 to 1965) as 'General Savage' on the television series "Twelve O'Clock High," his character was killed off when sponsors wanted a younger actor to play the lead, to appeal to the young teenager audience instead of the older adult audience that the show had originally attracted. After this, he continued to act in small parts, including the role of 'Peter Murphy' in the short-lived television series, "The Man Who Never Was" (1966) and in various small roles in movies. In 1968, he played the role as agent 'Gary Seven', also known as Supervisor 194, in the Star Trek episode, "Assignment: Earth." This episode was supposed to be a springboard for a spin-off series featuring the 'Gary Seven' character, but the series did not come about, for a number of reasons. Most of his roles after this period are less than notable, and are small parts in both television and movies. His last appearance was in an episode of the television series, "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" (1993), but illness kept him from additional roles. A long-term smoker, he died in New York City while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of 'General Frank Savage' in the television series, "Twelve O'Clock High" (1964 to 1965). Born Robert Howell Brown in San Diego, California, he adopted the stage name Robert Lansing from the capital of Michigan, which he had once visited. He took an early interest in acting, with his first appearance in 1956 on the Kraft Television Theater episode, "Shadow of Suspicion." His first movie role was as 'Dr. Scott Nelson' in the low-budget horror film, the "4D Man" (1959). Better roles would eventually come to him; in 1959, he played 'Peter Brooks' in the television series "Young Dr. Malone," and he had some small roles in such films as "A Gathering of Eagles" (1963) and "Under the Yum Yum Tree" (1963). After two seasons (1964 to 1965) as 'General Savage' on the television series "Twelve O'Clock High," his character was killed off when sponsors wanted a younger actor to play the lead, to appeal to the young teenager audience instead of the older adult audience that the show had originally attracted. After this, he continued to act in small parts, including the role of 'Peter Murphy' in the short-lived television series, "The Man Who Never Was" (1966) and in various small roles in movies. In 1968, he played the role as agent 'Gary Seven', also known as Supervisor 194, in the Star Trek episode, "Assignment: Earth." This episode was supposed to be a springboard for a spin-off series featuring the 'Gary Seven' character, but the series did not come about, for a number of reasons. Most of his roles after this period are less than notable, and are small parts in both television and movies. His last appearance was in an episode of the television series, "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" (1993), but illness kept him from additional roles. A long-term smoker, he died in New York City while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
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