Robert Rockwell (October 15, 1920 - January 25, 2003)

Robert Rockwell's career spanned radio, Broadway, television and films. Between 1948 and 1995 he appeared in 26 films. He spent time on the Broadway stage in the 1940's and the 1960's. Rockwell's big break came when he replaced Jeff Chandler (1918-1961) in the role of bashful biology teacher Mr. Phillip Boynton on the radio sitcom "Our Miss Brooks." When the show moved to television in 1952 Rockwell reprised his role. He remained for the entire four season run until the show ended in 1956. Also in 1956 Rockwell appeared in the feature film version of "Our Miss Brooks." The radio show closed its doors in 1957. Rockwell's other television credits include a recurring role as Dr. Greg Hartford on the daytime soap opera "Search for Tomorrow" from 1977 to 1978 and as Lawyer Tom Bishop on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" from 1979 to 1984. In other guest starring roles he appeared on "Toast of the Town", "The Lone Ranger", "Tales of Wells Fargo", "The Gale Storm Show", "Letter to Loretta", "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse", "Gunsmoke", "Death Valley Days", "Maverick", "The Lucy Show", "Perry Mason", "Lassie", "Green Acres", "Petticoat Junction", "The Bill Cosby Show", "Here's Lucy", "Eight is Enough", "Benson", "The Waltons", "Charlie's Angels", "Flamingo Road", "Knots Landing", "Mama's Family", "Hunter", "Dynasty", "Dallas", "Falcon Crest", "Newhart", "Valerie", "Growing Pains", "The Golden Palace" and "Beverly Hills, 90210." In 1952, he became the first actor to portray Superman's Kryptonian father Jor-El on television in the opening episode of the "Adventures of Superman." Rockwell was not only a wonderful actor but also a very kind man. He made his mark on our television heritage several times over.

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