Roger Torrey, an American actor, was born on May 9, 1938, in Pocatello, Idaho. He became well-known for his performances in television series from the 1960s to the 1970s. His notable roles include Mark Templeton in The Beverly Hillbillies and guest appearances on popular shows such as Mannix and Gunsmoke.
Early Life
Torrey grew up in a household with his father, George Pugmire, his mother, Evelyn Pugmire, and his younger brother, Steven. His upbringing in Idaho established the groundwork for his subsequent pursuit in the field of acting.
Career Highlights
Roger Torrey started his acting journey in the early 1960s, making a memorable debut as Candy in the show Route 66 (1962). He gained recognition for his recurring part in The Beverly Hillbillies, where he played Elly May’s romantic interest in multiple episodes between 1969 and 1970. Although initially favored by the producers for the role of Jethro Bodine, he was eventually surpassed by Max Baer Jr.
Throughout his career, Torrey appeared in various popular television shows, including:
- The Iron Horse
- The Dukes of Hazzard
- Bewitched
- Bonanza
- Adam-12
In total, he made approximately 28 television appearances before his untimely death.
Age
Roger Torrey was born on May 9, 1938, and he died on December 17, 1985, in Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 47 due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
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Height and Weight
Roger Torrey stood at a height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and weighed approximately 78 kg.
Wife
Roger Torrey wedded Jean Sanders on April 25, 1964, and their union endured until his demise on December 17, 1985.
Net Worth
Roger Torrey’s net worth was estimated to be $200,000 at the time of his passing.
Some Lesser Known Facts about Roger Torrey
- Pulp Fiction Writer: Torrey was a prolific writer in the pulp fiction genre, with over 280 published works in magazines like Black Mask and Dime Detective.
- Musical Background: Before acting, he worked as a piano player and was the Musical Director at the Liberty Theatre in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
- Personal Struggles: He faced challenges with alcoholism, which significantly impacted his health and contributed to his early death.
- Hard-Boiled Influence: His writing was characterized by gritty, hard-boiled characters, influenced by his life experiences.
- Legacy: Though not widely recognized, Torrey’s contributions to pulp fiction have been appreciated by genre enthusiasts for their realism and depth.
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FAQs about Roger Torrey
What notable roles did he play?
Torrey is most recognized for portraying Mark Templeton on The Beverly Hillbillies and had guest appearances on various shows including Mannix and Gunsmoke. He was also considered for the role of Jethro Bodine before Max Baer Jr. was cast.
What caused his death?
Roger Torrey died from a cerebral hemorrhage, which was attributed to complications related to alcoholism.
Who was his wife?
Roger Torrey was married to Jean Sanders on April 25, 1964, until his death in 1985. They had no children together.
