Edward Binns

Biography

Edward Binns (September 12, 1916 – December 4, 1990) was a distinguished American actor renowned for his contributions to stage, film, and television. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Binns was among the inaugural members of the Actors Studio, where he honed his craft under the guidance of Elia Kazan starting in the fall of 1947. His theatrical journey included several performances on Broadway before he transitioned to film in the early 1950s.

Binns garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Juror #6 in Sidney Lumet's classic film 12 Angry Men and as Lieutenant General Walter Bedell Smith in the Oscar-winning Patton (1970). He also made a memorable appearance as a police detective in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest and played Colonel Grady, a bomber pilot, in the tense 1964 film Fail-Safe.

On television, Binns was a familiar face, appearing in numerous series including NBC's Justice, ABC's 12 O'Clock High, and Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone, where he starred in the episode "I Shot an Arrow into the Air." His versatile roles extended to appearances on Perry Mason, The Untouchables, and M*A*S*H, among others. Binns's distinctive voice was also featured in countless radio and television commercials.

Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 74 while traveling from New York City to his home in Connecticut. His ashes were scattered at his residence, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.