- Born
- Died
- Birth nameGervase Duan Spradlin
- Height6′ 2″ (1.88 m)
- G.D. Spradlin was born on August 31, 1920 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, USA. He was an actor and director, known for Ed Wood (1994), Apocalypse Now (1979) and The Godfather Part II (1974). He was married to Frances Hewitt Hendrickson and Nell Ethelyn Hulsizer. He died on July 24, 2011 in San Luis Obispo, California, USA.
- SpousesFrances Hewitt Hendrickson(September 28, 2002 - July 24, 2011) (his death)Nell Ethelyn Hulsizer(March 1, 1944 - December 20, 2000) (her death, 2 children)
- RelativesMatthew Spradlin(Cousin)
- Often played wealthy or successful men who are slightly sleazy or untrustworthy
- His rich Southern accent
- Served as director of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign in Oklahoma, and also ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor of Oklahoma City in 1965.
- Didn't begin acting until his 40s, after serving in World War II in China with the Army Air Force. He worked as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum, then made his fortune as an independent oil producer.
- Retired from acting after Dick (1999).
- One of Hollywood's most prolific character actors, Spradlin has portrayed presidents (Andrew Jackson and Lyndon Johnson) and senators, as well as preachers, doctors, major generals, naval commanders, colonels, an admiral, a sheriff, a police chief, a CEO, and Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee.
- Started acting after taking his daughter Wendy to audition for a production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". He ended up taking a role in the play himself.
- Being rich changes surprisingly little. You'll still have to have an absorbing interest in life, something to do to make you feel alive.
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