Charles Aidman was an American actor who appeared in many stage, film, and television productions. He was known for his roles in Twilight Zone, Innerspace, and Spoon River Anthology. He also served as the narrator for the first two seasons of the revival of The Twilight Zone in the 1980s. But how did Charles Aidman die? And what was his impact on the entertainment industry? In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Charles Aidman, as well as the cause of his death.
Early life and education
Charles Leonard Aidman was born on January 21, 1925, in Frankfort, Indiana, according to Wikipedia. He was the son of George E. and Etta (Kwitny) Aidman. He graduated from Frankfort High School and attended DePauw University before serving in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to his home state and graduated from Indiana University.
Career and achievements
Aidman originally planned to pursue a career as an attorney, but he was sidetracked by his interest in acting, according to IMDb. During a speech class at DePaul University, where he was undergoing naval officer training, the instructor, who also headed the drama department, saw Aidman as ideal for a role in an upcoming play. Aidman said, “I did the play and enjoyed it. It was the first play I was in, in my life…I’ve been acting ever since.”
Aidman made his Broadway debut in 1952 in the play The Rose Tattoo, starring Maureen Stapleton and Eli Wallach. He also appeared in other Broadway productions, such as The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, A View from the Bridge, and The Wall. He also worked in off-Broadway plays, such as Career, The Cretan Woman, and others.
Aidman’s film credits include Pork Chop Hill, War Hunt, Countdown, Kotch, Zoot Suit, Uncommon Valor, and Innerspace. He also appeared in many television shows, such as The Virginian, The Californians, Richard Diamond, Private Detective, Black Saddle, Colt .45, The Rebel, Gunsmoke, Riverboat, The Americans, Trackdown, Johnny Ringo, Fury, Bourbon Street Beat, Whirlybirds, U.S. Marshal, Perry Mason, Bonanza, Peter Gunn, The Tall Man, GE True, Slattery’s People, The Road West, Garfield and Friends, Cagney & Lacey, Knots Landing, Crazy Like a Fox, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Quincy M.E., Today’s F.B.I., and Dallas.
However, Aidman is perhaps best remembered for his association with The Twilight Zone. He appeared in two episodes of the original series, “And When the Sky Was Opened” and “Little Girl Lost”, and later served as the narrator for the first two seasons of the revival series in the 1980s. He also starred in a TV movie adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray in 1973, playing Basil Hallward.
One of Aidman’s most notable achievements was his adaptation of Spoon River Anthology by poet Edgar Lee Masters into a theater production that is still performed today. He conceived, directed, and acted in the play, which consists of monologues by the deceased residents of a fictional town. He also collaborated with Naomi Caryl Hirshhorn in writing the songs “Spoon River” and “I Am, I Am” for the play. He later made a TV movie version of the play in 1969, which he also directed and starred in.
Cause of death and legacy
Aidman was married twice, first to Frances Garman, a model, and then to Betty Hyatt Linton, an actress. He had two children, Jody and Julie, from his first marriage. He died of cancer in Beverly Hills, California, on November 7, 1993, at the age of 68. He was buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles.
Aidman was a versatile and talented actor who could play a variety of roles, from beady-eyed bad guys and creeps to sympathetic and complex characters. He was also a creative and influential writer, director, and composer, who brought a poetic and musical vision to the stage and screen. He left behind a rich and diverse body of work that showcases his skills and passion for the art of acting. He is remembered and admired by his fans, colleagues, and family as a remarkable and accomplished performer.
