Don Porter

Biography

Donald "Don" Porter (September 24, 1912 – February 11, 1997) was a notable American actor whose career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1940s with appearances in films such as Top Sergeant and Eagle Squadron. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the widowed father of 15-year-old Frances "Gidget" Lawrence, portrayed by Sally Field, in the 1965 ABC sitcom Gidget. In addition to his film and television work, Porter was a seasoned stage actor, participating in over 200 theatrical productions, including classics like The Front Page, Plaza Suite, and Any Wednesday.

He began his film career in the 1940s and soon secured a prominent role as Peter Sands, the boss of Susan Camille MacNamara, played by Ann Sothern, in the popular 1950s sitcom Private Secretary. This show was later revamped as The Ann Sothern Show, where Porter reprised his role as hotel manager James Devery, set in an upscale hotel in New York City.

Porter's television career continued with guest appearances on a variety of shows such as Green Acres, Love, American Style, The Mod Squad, Barnaby Jones, The Six Million Dollar Man, Hawaii Five-O, and Three's Company, where he famously played Jack Tripper's uncle. His extensive body of work across multiple mediums solidifies him as a versatile and accomplished figure in the entertainment industry.