Wright King was an American actor who had a long and versatile career in stage, film and television. He is best known for playing Jason Nichols in the TV series Wanted Dead or Alive and for his role in the classic film A Streetcar Named Desire. He died on November 25, 2018, at the age of 95. What was the cause of his death and how did he live his life? Here is a brief overview of his biography and legacy.
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Early Life and Career
Wright King was born as Wright Thornburgh King on January 11, 1923, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He graduated from a high school in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and won a scholarship to the St. Louis School of Theatre. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served in the South Pacific campaign during World War II.
He made his acting debut in 1949 as Midshipman Bascomb in the TV series Captain Video and His Video Rangers. He worked in both the U.S. and the U.K. throughout his career. He was cast in numerous westerns and dramas, often playing young and innocent characters.
A Streetcar Named Desire
One of his most notable roles was the newspaper collector in the 1951 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh. He had previously played the same role in the original Broadway production and the first national tour of the play.
In the film, he shared a memorable scene with Leigh, who played Blanche DuBois, a fading southern belle who flirts with him and kisses him softly before sending him away. He spent a whole day kissing Leigh on the set, and later recalled her as “lovelier than you could imagine” and “gorgeous”.
Other Film and TV Roles
Wright King appeared in many other films and TV shows, such as Cast a Long Shadow, King Rat, Planet of the Apes, Finian’s Rainbow, Invasion of the Bee Girls, The Missiles of October, The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Cheyenne, Have Gun – Will Travel, The Silent Service and Johnny Jupiter.
He also played Jason Nichols, a deputy sheriff and a sidekick of Steve McQueen, in 11 episodes of the TV series Wanted Dead or Alive. He had a good chemistry with McQueen, who was a rising star at the time.
Personal Life and Death
Wright King married June Ellen Roth in 1948. They had three children together. He retired from acting in 1987 and lived a quiet life in Los Angeles. He died on November 25, 2018, in the Woodland Hills area, according to his family spokesman. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but he had been battling prostate cancer for three years, according to Distractify. He was 95 years old.
Wright King was a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting impression on the audiences and the industry. He will be remembered for his roles in A Streetcar Named Desire and Wanted Dead or Alive, among others. He was a part of the golden age of Hollywood and a veteran of World War II. He lived a long and fruitful life and left behind a legacy of his work and his family.
